System, method, and computer program product for connecting or coupling audio communications systems over a software defined wide area network

ABSTRACT

An automated telecommunications system includes a first system that receives audio frequency signals such as PSTN-compatible, voice over IP, or high definition voice, decodes and interprets said incoming signals according to the type and format, and transmits digital messages to a second system over a software defined wide area network (SDWAN). Said second system receives and interprets digital messages incoming from the first system, encodes and regenerates outgoing audio frequency signals. The system may be bi-directional and operate over a software defined wide area network, such as an IP based wireless or wired data network. The functionality of said first and second systems may be combined at a single location and interface with a conventional PSTN compatible VoIP system or High Definition Voice system at either or both ends and allow PSTN, conventional VoIP and High Definition Voice communications to share the same packet data stream over a SDWAN connection.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This Application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority under35 Section 120 to, and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/801,833, filed Jul. 17, 2015, to King and Tiley, entitled, “A SYSTEM,METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONNECTING OR COUPLING ANALOGAUDIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS OVER A WIRELESS PACKET DATA NETWORK,” thecontents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates generally to the transmission ofaudio-based communications such as voice, fax and dial modemtransmission over a packet data network, and more particularly toSoftware Defined Wide Area Network (SDWAN) communications.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE Related References

Many older ‘legacy’ telecommunications systems use dial-up telephonelines for voice calls, calls between facsimile machines and callsbetween analog dial-up modems. Over recent years dial-up telephone lineshave been gradually replaced by cell-phone connections and more recentlystill by IP data packet connections, such as provided by broadbandInternet Service Providers (ISPs). It is desirable that eventuallyanalog telephone lines will be completely replaced by IP based datapacket connections which will comprise a combination of ‘conventional’Voice over IP (VoIP) services and High Definition Voice servicesdelivered over satellite, terrestrial fiber and cable connections inaddition to wireless and new cellular wireless services based on thelong term evolution (LTE) standard also known as 4G, 5G or 6G andbeyond.

Except for a few plans limited in both availability and capability, theconventional 4G LTE data services currently being offered by theCellular Wireless carriers do not support the majority of cell phonevoice traffic. Standard' cell-phone voice calls are placed over theestablished 3G wireless infrastructures, whereas only data connections(such as Web browsing or computer application or ‘app’ basedconnections) are supported by the 4G LTE data service. In other words,most if not all conventional 4G cell phone services do not combineconventional telephone voice calls with data calls over the same datapacket infrastructure. It is desirable that the next step in 4Gevolution include enabling convergence of voice and data services over acommon packet based architecture. Unfortunately, conventional systemsoften fall short in being able to support such convergence.

Moving voice calls from 3G to the common packet based infrastructure of4G and beyond presents a number of technical challenges. For mostbusiness users, current cell-phone voice quality is not good enough tobecome a viable replacement to the Public Switched Telephone Network(PSTN). Although standard cell phone quality is generally considered notgood enough to become part of future LTE, service providers areconstrained by the fact that audio standards must be compatible with thePSTN to which much of the world is still connected. Ideally, forcellular wireless to be an acceptable alternative to copper for lastmile connectivity, the quality of voice calls should be virtuallyindistinguishable from the quality currently possible from a goodlandline connection. Better still would be higher quality IP based voiceor “High Definition Voice” (wideband) services, which currently onlyoperate within controlled IP network environments.

Within the communications industry, the generic term VoIP is used toencompass both High Definition Voice systems as well as PSTN compatibleVoIP systems. Herein we sometimes use the term “VoIP” or “conventionalVoIP” to draw a distinction between VoIP systems that use PSTNcompatible standards or “narrow band” audio, and those VoIP systems thatuse High Definition Voice wideband audio standards not directlycompatible with the PSTN. This distinction between conventional VoIP andHigh Definition Voice Systems is intended not to be limiting, but ratherexemplary in nature to clarify the examples being presented. A personskilled in the relevant art will recognize that in some cases the use ofthe term VoIP herein includes both PSTN-compatible VoIP systems and HighDefinition Voice systems in addition to any other type of VoIP systemthat may use a real time stream of data packets to transport the audioacross an IP network. The use of each term individually should be takenas in no way limiting the invention in scope or applicability.

The use of conventional VoIP solutions over LTE connections is alsoproblematic. Conventional, uncompressed VoIP when used over a broadbandconnection should theoretically be indistinguishable from a normalanalog telephone call. When a service provider controls resources of theend-to-end connection for VoIP calls this is generally the case.However, it is also a common user experience that packet delays, droppedpackets and other IP introduced artifacts can easily degrade VoIP callsto the point where they become unusable. This is more likely to occurwhen the loading on the network varies and resources for each and everyVoIP call are not reserved and protected. For example, over a public IPnetwork such as the Internet where network resources are contended andallocated in real time, there is the possibility that a momentaryoverload could block passage of even the highest priority VoIP traffic.When a large numbers of VoIP calls is being supported over commonnetwork connections, the difficulty of maintaining a consistent, highquality on all calls simultaneously is increased. Even broadbandterrestrial circuits can exhibit the effects of overload when the numberof active VoIP calls increases beyond a certain point. Each calltypically generates hundreds of small packets per second, each of whichpacket is independently subject to delay, discard or error, therebyincreasing the likelihood of dropped packets and the introduction ofadditional jitter and delay into the communications path.

A process commonly used on VoIP calls to counter the degrading effect ofIP based network limitations is voice compression. Voice compression hasthe effect of reducing the bandwidth required to support the audiosignal, which can improve consistency and dependability of packetdelivery over a congested network. However conventional systems fallshort of taking full advantage of such compression.

The digital audio stream generated by the PSTN normally conforms to theG.711 standard and can have a digital data rate of 64Kbps. G.711 is thestandard used by the digital hierarchy of the PSTN, sometimes known asfull rate voice, or toll quality voice. In uncompressed conventionalVoIP applications where direct compatibility with the PSTN ismaintained, the packet network effectively performs the same connectionfunction for the G.711 audio stream as a standard digital telephonenetwork. The primary difference is that the packet network introduces atransmission delay that varies from packet to packet. This variation indelay is known as jitter. Buffers in the end-point VoIP devices absorbjitter to some extent, but there is always a trade-off between themagnitude of jitter that can be absorbed and the delay that can betolerated by users.

For any packet-based connection, if the packet delay exceeds the depthof the jitter buffer, even for a short period, then the missing or‘late’ packets will create temporary gaps in the audio. The problem maybe exemplified by broadband WAN connections supporting a mixture ofapplications where the VoIP traffic uses only a tiny percentage of thenetwork capacity, generally considered to be of no consequence to theoverall loading on the network. A problem may occur if a large volume ofdata from other applications overloads the network temporarily. Undersuch circumstances even the prioritization of VoIP packets does notguarantee timely delivery of all packets for all the VoIP calls inprogress at the time.

Many VoIP devices designed to intercommunicate with the PSTN compressthe G.711 audio stream to minimize the amount of data sent over the IPpacket network. This can reduce the delay and jitter experienced by therecipient and reduce the likelihood of packet being lost or discardedsomewhere in the network. There are a large number of voice compressionstandards in use, for example G.723, G.726, G.728, G.729 are compressionalgorithms that are commonly used in standard cell phones or VoIPsystems that may intercommunicate with the PSTN. Other, more recent“High Definition Voice” or wideband speech codecs such as G.722.1 andG.722.2 offer improved speech quality, although they provide noadvantage when coupled to the PSTN since they are optimized for abroader spectrum than the 300 Hz to 3000 Hz bandwidth limitation of thePSTN. Using voice compression techniques, the data rate is reduced fromfull rate to a fraction, and many commonly used VoIP algorithmscompatible with the PSTN operate at an eighth rate or less. G.729 AnnexB, for example, operates at 8Kbps and is often used over the PSTN andconsidered to be very close to toll quality when used under idealnetwork conditions. By comparison, wideband codecs such as encompassedby G.722, typically operate at data rates from 24 Kbps to 64 Kbps, andcover a speech bandwidth of 50 Hz to 7000 Hz.

However, in conventional VoIP systems the bandwidth saved using voicecompression is often offset by the addition of TCP/IP packet overheadand the requirements of call session management. For example, a typicalVoIP call using G.729 compression still creates a 30 Kbps IP datastream. Since only 8 Kbps is the compressed voice payload, the bulk(approximately 22 Kbps) is network routing and management overhead.

Furthermore, since all voice compression algorithms function bydiscarding information during the compression process the inevitableresult is that the audio signal output at the receiving end of the linkis to some extent a distortion of the input audio signal. Most advancedPSTN compatible voice compression algorithms are structured to retainthose qualities that optimize voice recognition by the human ear and notto retain the exact frequency and phase qualities of the incomingsignal. Consequently, even though the audio may sound close to perfectto the human ear, the decoders of analog modems and fax machines thatrely on exact frequency and phase information cannot normally decodesignals that have been transmitted over VoIP systems using compression.Even for voice calls, additional complexities arise when there is highbackground noise, a combination of speech and music, or multi-partyconferencing.

As a result, the use of compression on conventional VoIP calls islargely restricted to circumstances where bandwidth is at a premium anda slight but noticeable degradation in call quality is an acceptabletrade-off with respect to the accrued cost savings. Satellite links area prime example of where bandwidth is expensive and always at a premium.Standard 3G cellular telephone calls use digital compression in order tomaximize call capacity of cell phone networks.

Using conventional solutions, the difficulty in ensuring timely deliveryof a high volume of VoIP packets over high capacity (broadband) digitalWide Area Networks is an ongoing problem. Generic prioritizationtechniques such as offered by MPLS (Multi-Protocol Labelling System) arenot adequate under these circumstances and the limitations of thisapproach are evidenced by the detrimental effect on VoIP voice qualityoften noticed in practice, even in some of the most advanced networks todate.

The latest generation of WAN devices decouple the networking hardwarefrom its control mechanism, to create dynamic networks known as SoftwareDefined WANs (SDWANs). The key benefit of SDWANs is that they providethe framework to add a new level of control over data traffic managementand flow based on application-level policies. This in turn allows higherperformance hybrid networks to be built when coupling commerciallyavailable Internet services to more expensive private networks. WhileSDWANs have successfully addressed the management and optimization ofhigh volume data applications, so far SDWANs have generally ignored VoIPtraffic, including High Definition Voice, other than to continue thepractice of prioritizing the delivery of individual packets across thenetwork. However, problems with voice quality still occur when there area large number of simultaneous calls in progress between nodes.

Conventional solutions have at most recognized that within a SDWANenvironment the use of voice compression may be helpful when bandwidthis at a premium, such as over relatively low bandwidth wireless or otherlow bandwidth terrestrial or satellite connections. However conventionalsystems have failed to recognize, what Applicants disclosed solutiondescribed below addresses and overcomes. Over some high capacity SDWANbroadband links, the use of compression does not fully address theproblem of maintaining voice quality since it does not ease thecongestion created by the high volume of packets generated by a largenumber of concurrent IP based telephone calls. High Definition Voicepacket streams are subject to the same problems of delay, jitter anddelivery as conventional VoIP packet streams. The successful convergenceof voice and data on next generation LTE and SDWAN networks is dependentupon more than just the use or improvement in the audio compressionalgorithms. To ensure the highest audio quality and stability for bothHigh Definition Voice and PSTN compatible audio, what is needed in orderto overcome the shortcomings of conventional solutions is a combinationof other techniques that minimize the negative impact of high packetvolume within SDWAN networks.

Summary of the Disclosure

The present disclosure sets forth various exemplary embodiments ofapparatus, systems, methods and computer program products for thetransmission of audio communications over a packet based data network.

Embodiments are directed to LTE packet based data networks, wired packetbased data networks, terrestrial networks, satellite networks, opticaldata networks and/or wireless packet based data networks. Embodimentsare also directed to software defined wide area network (SDWAN)networks.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a system, computer implementedmethod, and/or nontransitory computer accessible media, may be fortransmitting and receiving public switched telephone network (PSTN)compatible audio frequency signals or High Definition Voice signals overa packet data network wherein the packet data network comprises asoftware defined wide area network (SDWAN), the system, method and/ornontransitory computer accessible media can include: a first systemconfigured to: receive one or more first incoming PSTN-compatible orHigh Definition Voice audio frequency signals; digitize said one or morefirst incoming PSTN-compatible or High Definition Voice audio frequencysignals according to an audio standard to obtain first digitizedPSTN-compatible or High Definition Voice audio frequency signals;segment said first digitized PSTN-compatible or High Definition Voiceaudio frequency signals to generate one or more first sequences of audiosignal samples, each of said one or more first sequences of audio signalsamples comprising a first preprogrammed sample size; compress said eachof said one or more first sequences of audio signal samples according toa first preprogrammed set of rules comprising a first preprogrammedcompression algorithm, to produce a first sequence of one or morestrings of processed samples, if said each of said one or more firstsequences of audio signal samples is determined to meet a firstpreprogrammed criteria for compression according to said firstpreprogrammed set of rules; accumulate said first sequence of said oneor more strings of processed samples to create a first group of samplesready for transmission according to a first aggregation thresholddefined by a second preprogrammed set of rules, create a first outgoingdigital message from said first group of samples ready for transmissionaccording to a forwarding threshold defined by a third preprogrammed setof rules, using at least one of: a first pre-defined data link protocol,or a first control channel; transmit said first outgoing digital messageover the software defined wide area network (SDWAN) to a second system;receive, from the SDWAN, and interpret, a first incoming digital messagefrom the second system; process said first incoming digital message intoone or more incoming digital audio stream samples according to saidthird pre-programmed set of rules comprising said first pre-defined datalink protocol, or said first control channel, or a second pre-defineddata link protocol, or a second control channel; and accumulate andprocess said one or more incoming digital audio stream samples accordingto a fourth preprogrammed set of rules comprising being configured to:decompress any compressed of said one or more incoming digital audiostream samples according to a first preprogrammed decompressionalgorithm defined by said fourth preprogrammed set of rules intodecompressed digital audio samples; accumulate said first decompresseddigital samples into a first buffer according to a first jitter bufferthreshold, wherein said first jitter buffer threshold is defined by saidfourth preprogrammed set of rules; and regenerate first outgoingPSTN-compatible or High Definition Voice audio frequency signals basedon said first decompressed digital audio samples.

According to exemplary embodiments, the system, method or nontransitorymedia may include wherein said first system is configured to createcomprises using said first control channel, and further comprisingwherein said first system is configured to: establish said first controlchannel between said first system, and said second system, in advance ofprocessing said one or more first incoming PSTN-compatible or HighDefinition Voice audio frequency signals, comprising wherein said firstsystem is configured to: set up at least one voice trunk as soon as saidfirst system and said second system are switched on, wherein said firstcontrol channel is ready when a first call is made, providing for fastercall connect, and greater efficiency than absent said establishing.

According to exemplary embodiments, the system, method or nontransitorymedia may include wherein said first system configured to createcomprises using said first control channel, and further comprisingwherein said first system is configured to: wait for receipt of a firstcall, and upon said receipt of said first call, establish said firstcontrol channel between said first system, and said second system, basedon real time call requirements of said first call, to allow processingsaid one or more first incoming PSTN-compatible or High Definition Voiceaudio frequency signals; and wherein said first system is configured tocomprise: wherein said first control channel comprises, depending onpreprogrammed criteria, to either one of: become permanentlyestablished; or become temporarily established.

According to exemplary embodiments, the system, method or nontransitorymedia may include wherein said first system and said second system areconfigured to: connect or couple said first system and said secondsystem simultaneously to one another, creating a mesh network.

According to exemplary embodiments, the system, method or nontransitorymedia may include wherein the packet data network comprises any one ormore of: a wired network; a wireless network; an optical fiber network,a satellite network, a cable network, a DSL network, a ISDN network, aleased line network, a 4G wireless network; a 5G wireless network; a 6Gwireless network; an n-G wireless network; a Long-Term Evolution (LTE)network; a wireless LTE network; a GSM/EDGE network; a UMTS/HSPAnetwork; a CDMA2000 network; a 4G LTE network; a 3G or 3GPP network; aWiMAX network; an evolved high speed packet access network; an LTEAdvanced network; a WiMAX-Advanced network; a True 4G network; anIMT-Advanced network; an LTE Time-Division Duplex (LTE-TDD) network; anLTE Frequency-Division Duplex (LTE-FDD) network; a Voice over LTE(VoLTE) network; a Circuit-switched fallback (CSFB) network; aSimultaneous voice and LTE (SVLTE) network; or a Single Radio Voice CallContinuity (SRVCC) network.

An exemplary embodiment sets forth an automated system that may includea first system that may analyze the incoming signal originating from afirst analog communications device operable to process the incomingsignal and may transmit a digital message over a SDWAN according torules defined for the first system, and may further include a secondsystem that may receive said message from the SDWAN operable to generatean analog compatible signal and transmit said signal to a second analogcommunications device, where such analog signal may be generatedaccording to the received data and rules defined for the second system.

In an exemplary embodiment, said second system may also receive anincoming signal originating from said second analog communicationsdevice operable to process the incoming signal and may transmit adigital message over a SDWAN according to rules defined for the secondsystem, and said first system may receive information from the SDWANoperable to generate an analog compatible signal and transmit saidsignal to said first communications device, where such analog signalmaybe generated according to the received data and rules defined for thefirst system.

In an exemplary embodiment, said analog communications device(s) mayconnect to said first and second systems through an optional switchingsystem such as, e.g., but not limited to, a Private Branch Exchange(PBX) system, a Key system, or a carrier class switch which may digitizeor regenerate said analog signal(s) according to industry standards.

In an exemplary embodiment, said SDWAN may be any optical or wired orsatellite or wireless data network, such as, e.g., but not limited to,an internet protocol (IP) network that may operate over an optical orwired or satellite or wireless link and may have varying delay dependingon the network performance at any particular time.

In an exemplary embodiment, said rules for the system includes amechanism whereby analog information may be digitized; digitalinformation may be accumulated prior to transmission; compressedaccording to a pre-specified compression rules; and transmitted over aSDWAN using a data link protocol, said data link protocol beingoptimized for the transmission of analog communications over a SDWANpacket data link according to one or more of; the content of the audiostream; network characteristics; preprogrammed rules; and operationalparameters programmed into the exemplary system.

In another exemplary embodiment, the said first or second analogcommunications devices or both may connect to a packet data networkusing, e.g., but not limited to, a VoIP connection such that analogsignal may be received by the first and second systems directly from apacket data network as uncompressed or compressed voice (VoIP) data orfrom a PSTN connection after passing through a VoIP to PSTN gatewaydevice.

In another exemplary embodiment, the said first or second analogcommunications devices or both may connect to a packet data networkusing, e.g., but not limited to, a VoIP connection such that analogsignal may be received by the first and second systems directly from apacket data network as uncompressed or compressed voice (VoIP) data froma High Definition Voice connection or from a PSTN connection afterpassing through a High Definition Voice to PSTN gateway device.

In another exemplary embodiment, the said first or second analogcommunications devices or both may connect to a packet data networkusing, e.g., but not limited to, a VoIP connection such that analogsignal may be received by the first and second systems directly from apacket data network as uncompressed or compressed voice (VoIP) data froma High Definition Voice connection or from a conventional PSTNcompatible VoIP connection after passing through a High Definition Voiceto conventional VoIP gateway device.

An exemplary embodiment sets forth an automated system, method, and/orcomputer program product for transmitting and receiving PSTN or HighDefinition Voice compatible analog or digital audio frequency signalsover a SDWAN, which may include, in an exemplary embodiment, a firstsystem operative to: receive incoming PSTN or High Definition Voicecompatible audio frequency signals; analyze and process said incomingaudio signals; digitize incoming analog audio signals; accumulate saiddigital or digitized audio signals; compress said accumulated digital ordigitized audio signals using preprogrammed rules; transmit a digitalmessage containing said compressed audio signals to a second systemusing preprogrammed rules and a data link protocol optimized for thetransmission of analog communications over a SDWAN; a second systemoperable to receive and interpret incoming digital messages from thefirst system; and decode and regenerate outgoing audio frequency PSTN orHigh Definition Voice compatible signals using preprogrammed rules forthe second system.

In the system according to an exemplary embodiment, may include wheresaid analog communications device(s) connect to said first and secondsystems through an optional switching system such as, e.g., but notlimited to, a Softswitch, a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) system, a Keysystem, or a carrier class switch which may digitize or regenerate saidanalog signal(s) according to industry standards.

The system according to an exemplary embodiment may include where theSDWAN comprises an Internet Protocol (IP) based network.

The system according to an exemplary embodiment may include where theSDWAN comprises in part a satellite network.

The system according to an exemplary embodiment may include where theSDWAN data comprises at least one of a cable, an optical fiber or anyother type of terrestrial based network.

The system according to an exemplary embodiment may include where saidfirst system and said second system are located at least one of: at asingle location, or at different locations.

The system according to an exemplary embodiment may include whereprovided an ability to interface to a VoIP packet system.

The system according to an exemplary embodiment may include whereprovided an ability to interface to a High Definition Voice packetsystem.

The system according to an exemplary embodiment may further includewhere at least one of: audio compression, or audio decompression, by atleast one of: PSTN, or VoIP, or High Definition Voice systems.

The system according to an exemplary embodiment may include where thesystem uses at least one of: predetermined information, learnedinformation, or preconfigured information, to determine saidpreprogrammed rules to apply to the compression and to the transmissionof PSTN-compatible or High Definition Voice audio signals between saidfirst and second systems.

The system according to an exemplary embodiment may further includewhere a control channel comprising at least one of: an in-band controlchannel, or an out-of-band control channel, said control channeloperable to remotely manage said first and second systems, and whereinsaid control channel is operable to provide communications to perform atleast one of: provide monitoring function; provide a control function;determine real time diagnostic information; determine statusinformation; or determine ancillary information.

The system according to an exemplary embodiment may include where thefirst system is operative to process at least one of: compress digitizedaudio prior to transmission according to pre-programmed compressionrules; transmit over a SDWAN using a data link protocol optimized forthe transmission of analog communications over a SDWAN usingpre-programmed rules.

An exemplary embodiment sets forth an automated system, method, and/orcomputer program product for transmitting and receiving public switchedtelephone network (PSTN) compatible or High Definition Voice analog ordigital audio signals over a SDWAN, where the method may include:receiving first incoming PSTN-compatible or High Definition Voice audiofrequency signals; analyzing and processing said incoming signals;digitizing incoming analog audio signals; accumulating said digital ordigitized audio signals; compressing said digital or digitized incomingaudio signals using preprogrammed rules; transmitting a messagecontaining said compressed audio signals to a second system usingpreprogrammed rules using a data link protocol optimized for thetransmission of analog communications over a SDWAN; receiving andinterpreting a second incoming digital messages from the first system;and decoding and regenerating outgoing audio frequency PSTN or HighDefinition Voice compatible signals using preprogrammed rules for thesecond system.

The method according to an exemplary embodiment, may include where saidanalog communications device(s) connect to said first and second systemsthrough an optional switching system such as, e.g., but not limited to,a Softswitch, a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) system, a Key system, or acarrier class switch which may digitize or regenerate said analogsignal(s) according to industry standards.

The method according to an exemplary embodiment may include where theSDWAN comprises an Internet Protocol (IP) based network.

The method according to an exemplary embodiment may include where theSDWAN comprises in part a satellite network.

The method according to an exemplary embodiment may include where theSDWAN comprises at least one of a cable, an optical fiber or any othertype of terrestrial based network.

The method according to an exemplary embodiment may include where saidfirst system and said second system are located at least one of: at asingle location, or at different locations.

The method according to an exemplary embodiment may further includewhere providing the ability to interface to a VoIP packet system.

The method according to an exemplary embodiment may further includewhere providing the ability to interface to a High Definition Voicesystem.

The method according to an exemplary embodiment may further includewhere compressing or decompressing, at least one of: PSTN compatible, orHigh Definition Voice compatible, or VoIP compatible audio signals.

The method according to an exemplary embodiment may include where usingat least one of: predetermined information, learned information, orpreconfigured information, in determining said preprogrammed rules toapply to the compression and to the transmission of PSTN-compatible orVoIP compatible or High Definition Voice compatible audio signalsbetween said first and second systems.

The method according to an exemplary embodiment may further includewhere using a control channel comprising at least one of: an in-bandcontrol channel, or an out-of-band control channel, said control channeloperable to remotely manage said first and second systems, and whereinsaid control channel comprises providing communications performing atleast one of: providing monitoring function; providing a controlfunction; determining real time diagnostic information; determiningstatus information; or determining ancillary information.

The method according to an exemplary embodiment may include where thefirst system comprises providing at least one of: compressing digitizedaudio prior to transmission according to pre-programmed compressionrules; transmitting over a SDWAN using a data link protocol optimizedfor the transmission of analog communications over a SDWAN usingpre-programmed rules.

An exemplary embodiment sets forth an automated system, method, and/orcomputer program product, where the machine-readable medium thatprovides instructions, which when executed by a computing platform,causes said computing platform to perform operations, which may include:a method for receiving first incoming VoIP, High Definition Voice orPSTN-compatible analog or digital audio frequency signals; analyzing andprocessing said incoming signals; digitizing incoming analog audiosignals; accumulating said digital or digitized audio signals;compressing said digital or digitized incoming audio signals usingpreprogrammed rules; transmitting a message containing said compressedaudio signals to a second system using preprogrammed rules using a datalink protocol optimized for the transmission of analog communicationsover a SDWAN; receiving and interpreting a second incoming digitalmessage from the first system; and decoding and regenerating outgoingaudio frequency VoIP, or High Definition Voice, or PSTN compatiblesignals using preprogrammed rules.

The computer program product according to an exemplary embodiment wherethe method may include where the method comprises: performing functionsof said first system and said second system at least one of: at a singlelocation, or at different locations.

The foregoing embodiments, together with embodiments directed to methodsand products thereof, are described in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary features and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the following, more particular description of exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings wherein like reference numbers generally indicate identical,functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The leftmost digits in the corresponding reference number indicate the drawingin which an element first appears.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary device in accordance with the presentexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary analog communications device, telephone,fax machine or dial modem connected to an optional local switch or PBXsystem which is connected to or coupled across the Public SwitchedTelephone Network (PSTN) with an exemplary, second optional switch orPBX system connected to a second analog communications device,telephone, fax machine or dial modem, e.g., dial telephones connected toor coupled to the PSTN in accordance with the present embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary analog communications device connectedto or coupled to a second exemplary analog communications device, usingan exemplary SDWAN in accordance with various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a computer system that maybe used to practice the system and/or methods in accordance with thevarious exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary analog communications device connectedto or coupled with an exemplary second analog communications device, thecoupling of which may be through both a SDWAN and a PSTN switch inaccordance with the various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary analog communications device connectedto or coupled with an exemplary VoIP communications device, the couplingof which may be through both a SDWAN and a standards based Softswitch,or VOIP switch or VoIP gateway or High Definition Voice gateway inaccordance with the various exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary standards based or High Definition Voiceor VoIP communications device connected to or coupled with an exemplarysecond standards based or High Definition Voice or VoIP communicationsdevice, the coupling of which may be through both a SDWAN and standardsbased or High Definition Voice or VOIP switches or standards based orHigh Definition Voice or VOIP gateways in accordance with the variousexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 8A depicts an exemplary flow diagram, according to an exemplaryembodiment of an exemplary first system, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 8B depicts an exemplary flow diagram, according to an exemplaryembodiment of an exemplary second system, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary flow diagram, according to an exemplaryembodiment of another exemplary first system, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary flow diagram, according to an exemplaryembodiment of another exemplary second system, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary flow diagram, according to an exemplaryembodiment of yet another exemplary first system, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various preferred exemplary embodiments of the disclosure including anypreferred embodiments are discussed in detail below. While specificexemplary embodiments are discussed it should be understood that this isfor illustrative purposes only and not be in way of limitation. A personskilled in the relevant art will recognize that other configurations,modifications, implementations and/or substantially similar alternativeembodiments may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

Introduction

Analog Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) lines are being phasedout and replaced by IP packet data networks for many reasons. IP packetdata networks are widely accessible using terrestrial fiber, cable,wireless and satellite connections. They provide a common architecturefor the convergence of all types of communication with immediate,enhanced capability and are generally more cost effective to maintainthan dial up telephone lines.

Whereas voice and modern computer communications benefit from beingmoved from analog lines to broadband IP packet networks, the large scalemove of voice communications from dial-up services provided by analogland lines and cellphones to public IP packet data networks can be moreproblematic. A number of inter-related factors affect the ability of IPnetworks to support dependable toll quality VoIP or High DefinitionVoice communications. These include bandwidth limitations on lower speedlinks, network delay and jitter, all of which can affect the perceivedquality of the audio. This is particularly relevant to wirelessconnections but also applies to any network connection if it is apotential communications bottleneck that may become overloaded and causepacket delays, packet discards and other errors which disrupt the realtime flow of audio packets. Of course the overall stability of wirelesslinks generally with respect to outside interference, weather andatmospheric variations in signal strength is an added complicationexposing them to greater potential disruption than other communicationsmedia. Even so, wireless data services have emerged as a popularalternative to the PSTN for last mile connectivity due to their low costand ease of deployment, even though the quality and dependability ofVoIP communications may be compromised when compared to higher speedterrestrial circuits.

The introduction of SDWAN technology offers the promise of a new levelof performance upon which higher quality, converged service platformswill be based. While the network demands of voice communications may beconsidered minimal when there is a low call volume, the number ofpackets generated between nodes rapidly increases as the number ofsimultaneous calls rises. Even over SDWANs the prioritization ofconventional VoIP and High Definition Voice packets cannot prevent somepackets from being blocked momentarily due to the high number of them(i.e. often several thousands of packets per second) being generated andsqueezed between the large data packets of other applications.Eventually it reaches a point where the inevitable problems of networkdelay, jitter and stability start to impact call quality, even thoughthe conventional VoIP and High Definition Voice packet streams may havethe highest priority on the network. Under these circumstances thevolume of voice packets can overload the switching and throughputcapacities of the SDWAN, even though the total bandwidth being used byVoIP calls may be minimal compared to the overall theoretical capacityof the WAN hardware. The problem is magnified of course when there is asignificant bottleneck such as a wireless access point.

However, even within the core of a large terrestrial IP network theaccumulation of tiny voice packets can create bottlenecks that aretypically not addressed by SDWAN devices. Most SDWAN devices treat eachpacket generated by each VoIP call independently and each packet streamindependently as well, even though there may be multiple active callsbetween any two nodes. The present invention addresses the problem ofmaintaining high quality audio over a SDWAN under these circumstances.The invention combines PSTN compatible VoIP and High Definition Voicepackets into one or more optimized packet streams between SDWANcontrolled devices.

Overview of Exemplary Embodiments

The exemplary embodiments may provide an apparatus, a method and/orcomputer program product for the transmission of audio communicationsover a SDWAN packet based data network. In the exemplary embodiments,the system utilizing audio communications may comprise a standard analogcommunications device that may normally connect or couple to a secondanalog communications device through a PSTN connection. The analogcommunications device may be, e.g., but not be limited to, a cellphone,a telephone handset, a PBX system, a fax machine or an analog dial modemusing audio tones for communications. In the exemplary embodiments theSDWAN may be, e.g., but not be limited to, an LTE Internet Protocol (IP)network. For example, a cellular wireless IP data connection or otherwired IP network may be used to provide all or part of the primary, orall or part of a backup connection between coupled analog communicationsdevices.

Exemplary Embodiments

The present exemplary embodiments can be performed by, e.g., but notlimited to, one or more products available from NSGDATACOM, INC. ofChantilly, Va. USA and/or another, or an adaptation thereof inaccordance with the present exemplary embodiments. Such exemplaryproducts may include, e.g., but not limited to, devices 100 accessrouter Wi-Modem™, access router V-Turbo™ and Network exchange N×2222among others.

An exemplary device 100, may include, in an exemplary embodiment, apublic switched telephone network (PSTN) and/or other data interfacesdesigned to connect and/or couple analog voice, facsimile, dial modemand/or data to e.g., but not limited to terrestrial, wireless, and/orsatellite IP networks. The exemplary device 100 may have multipleexemplary interfaces of each of various types and function as atelecommunications switching platform for, e.g., but not limited toaggregating, optimizing and/or routing simultaneous calls over at leastsingle IP network connection.

Referring to FIG. 1, device 100 may provide hardware, software, or acombination thereof to provide an integrated and/or scalable exemplarydesign. As shown, the exemplary device may include, e.g., but notlimited to, multiple 10/100/1000/10G/25G/100G/200G Ethernet LANconnections 102, one or more high speed serial interfaces 104, one ormore Analog PSTN connections 106, and/or one or more data connections108.

Exemplary LAN connections 102 may include, for example, but not limitedto multiple integrated switched Ethernet interfaces, auto sensingenabled 10BaseT, 100BaseT,1000BaseT, 2.5GBase-T, 5GBase-T, 10GBase-T, or10Base, 25Base, 50Base, 100Base, 1000Base, 10GBase, 25GBase, 40GBase,100Base, or 200GBase, wired or optical fiber interface user or hubconnectivity, etc.

Exemplary high speed serial interfaces 104 may include, for example, butnot limited to, RJ 45 interfaces, internal or external clocking,software configurable DTE/DCE, V.24/RS-232/V.35/RS-449,/X.21, and/orhigh speeds from, for example, but not limited to, 1200 bps to 10 Mbpsetc. Exemplary connections may include, for example, but not limited to,X.25, Frame Relay NNI, UNI, FRF4/ITU, Q.933, Frame Relay Annex D, LMI,including PVC and/or SVC support, etc.

Exemplary T1/E1 connections 106 may provide, e.g., but not limited to,digital voice, fax, dial modem and/or data, up to multiple channels ofvoice compression, drop and insert for DSO/timeslots between interfaces,support for CAS and ISDN, transparent pass through for signaling viaSS7, and/or transparent TDM clock recovery over IP, etc. Exemplaryvoice, and/or facsimile connections may include, for example, supportfor CAS/ISDN/E&M, H.323, SIP, B2BUA, G.711, G723, G.729a, CELP 4.8/7.4kbps, ACELP 5.5/8.0 kbps, V.27ter, V.29 and/or Group III. Exemplary dialmodem protocols may include, e.g., but not limited to, FSK, PSK,DTMF,QAM or Pulse modulation, V14, V17, Bell 101, Bell 103, V21, V.22,V.22bis, Bell 212A, V.23, Bell 202, V.26, V.26bis, V.27ter, V.29, V.32,V.32bis, V.34, V.42, V.42bis, V.44, V.90, and/or V.92 , etc.

Exemplary data connections 108 may include internal and/or externalclocking, software configurable DTE/DCE, V.24/RS-232/V.35/RS-449,/X.21,and/or speeds from, for example, but not limited to, 1200 bps to 2.048Mbps, etc. Exemplary connections may include, for example, but notlimited to, Asynchronous or Synchronous data, X.25, Frame Relay NNI,UNI, FRF4/ITU, Q.933, Frame Relay Annex D, LMI, including PVC and/or SVCsupport, etc.

Exemplary Analog line connections 114 may include, for example RJ 45 orRJ11 interfaces, FXS, FXO, E&M software configurable voice, fax, dialmodem and/or data. Exemplary voice, and/or facsimile connections mayinclude, for example, support for CAS/ISDN/E&M, H.323, SIP, B2BUA,G.711, G.729a, CELP 4.8/7.4 kbps, ACELP 5.5/8.0 kbps, V.27ter, V.29and/or Group III. Exemplary dial modem protocols may include FSK, PSK,DTMF, QAM or Pulse modulation, Ademco Contact ID Protocol, V14, V17,Bell 101, Bell 103, V21, V.22, V.22bis, Bell 212A, V.23, Bell 202, V.26,V.26bis, V.27ter, V.29, V.32, V.32bis, V.34, V.42, V.42bis, V.44, V.90,and/or V.92.

A management module 110 may interface with device 100, through forexample, high speed serial interface connections 104. Management module110 may include, for example, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) hosted,for example, by a Microsoft Windows® PC, etc. Configuring, monitoringand troubleshooting over public, private or hybrid networks may beprovided. Distributed management of existing equipment via SimpleNetwork Management Protocol (SNMP) may also be provided.

Management may also be provided remotely. For example, a managementmodule 112 may provide remote management support over exemplary T1/E1connections 106 and/or 108 or over exemplary LAN connection 102. In anexemplary embodiment, device 100 is remotely configurable through aTelnet session through a remotely attached exemplary MICROSOFT WINDOWS®PC, etc. In another exemplary embodiment, device 100 is remotelyconfigurable by a SDWAN controller.

In one or more embodiments device 100 may include an internal orremotely accessible computer platform 116 that can perform any and allfunctions associated with internal processing and the foregoing networkconnections and associated protocols. The computer platform 116 canreceive and execute software applications and display data transmittedfrom a management module or another computer device. The computerplatform 116 may include an application-specific integrated circuit(“ASIC”), or other chipset, processor, microprocessor, logic circuit,Digital Signal Processor (“DSP”), or other data processing device. TheASIC or other processor may execute an application programming interface(“API”) that interfaces with any resident programs, in a memory of thedevice 100. The API may be a runtime environment executing on the device100, to operate to control the execution of applications on the device.The memory may include read-only and/or random-access memory (RAM andROM), EPROM, EEPROM, flash cards, or any memory common to the computerplatform 116. The computer platform 116 may also include a localdatabase that can hold the software applications, or data not activelyused in memory. The local database may include flash memory cells, orsecondary storage, such as optical or magnetic media, tape, or soft orhard disk. In addition, computer platform 116 may be replaced by and/ormay function in addition to any or all of the components of computersystem 400 shown in FIG. 4.

In an exemplary embodiment, computer platform 116 may provide device 100the capability to decode PSTN analog tones using standard DSP techniquesand/or standard modem protocols. The computer platform 116 may alsoprovide the capability to compress and uncompress voice trafficaccording to standard VoIP or High Definition Voice algorithms. Device100 may support a mixture of both analog and/or digital PSTN voiceconnections with compression to a maximum of a predefined number ofanalog voice ports and/or digital (T1/E1) trunks per unit, with anoverall maximum of voice, facsimile and/or data (DSO) circuits per unit.Analog voice ports may be configured for connection to a local PBX or totelephone handsets, facsimile or dial modems. The computer platform 116may provide device 100 queue buffer, jitter buffer and/or echocancellation mechanisms deployed to maintain quality over circuits withlong and/or varying delays such as, e.g., but not limited to wireless,multiple, and/or satellite hops.

In an exemplary embodiment, computer platform 116 may provide, device100 PSTN IP

Gateway with Packet Switching capability via exemplary gateway and/orswitching algorithms, etc. As interoperability is provided, device 100may conform to, e.g., but not limited to, H.323 v2 and SIP (includingB2BUA), enabling integration with soft switches and/or PC-basedtelephony. Device 100 may provide comprehensive gateway functions thatmay allow interfacing between different network services and types. Forexample, device 100 may interface to Voice over IP (“VoIP”) networksand/or to High Definition Voice systems, may compress voice traffic overterrestrial, satellite or wireless connections, may simultaneouslyreduce the bandwidth used by a factor, and/or reduce the number of IPpackets transmitted by a factor.

In an exemplary embodiment, computer platform 116 may provide device 100with algorithms to, e.g., but not limited to receive incoming HighDefinition Voice and PSTN-compatible audio frequency signals; digitizesaid incoming audio signals; accumulate said digitized audio signals;compress said accumulated digitized audio signals using preprogrammedrules; transmit said compressed audio signals according to preprogrammedrules using a data link protocol optimized for the transmission ofanalog communications over a SDWAN network. Said preprogrammed rules tobe configured in the unit and/or learned by the unit or received by theunit from a SDWAN controller which may be internal or external to theunit. These embodiments, described in greater detail below, mayincorporate analog audio communications algorithms. In one or more suchembodiments, analog based communications may be provided over exemplarySDWAN packet data network links.

In an exemplary embodiment, computer platform 116 may provide device 100with the ability to provide secure communications between platforms,using, for example, the processes of digital encryption, digitalauthentication, and/or digital key exchange, among others.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary analog telephone system 200 withexemplary analog communications device 202 connected to or coupled witha second analog communications device 210 using the PSTN 206. As shown,analog communications device 202 is linked to the PSTN 206 via anoptional PBX or switch 204, and analog communications device 210 islinked to the PSTN 206 via an optional PBX or switch 208.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, there may be one or more analogcommunications devices 202 and one or more connections 214, which mayconnect to or be coupled with one or more standard analog telephonelines 216 so that the optional local PBX or switch 204 may supportmultiple simultaneous calls.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, there may be one or more analogcommunications devices 210 and one or more connections 220, which mayconnect to or be coupled with one or more standard analog telephonelines 218 so that the optional local PBX or switch 208 may supportmultiple simultaneous calls.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the analog communicationsdevices 202 and 210 may connect to or coupled with the PSTN 206 usingmultiple individual serial connections couplings 214, 216, 218, 220 orusing a shared digital connection such as T1/E1, which may also includean exemplary standards-compliant clock regeneration and/or jitterbuffering to synchronize remote locations to an exemplary centralnetwork.

In the exemplary embodiments the analog communications devices 202, 210may connect to or be coupled through the optional local PBX or switches204, 208 to the PSTN 206 in real time using standard facsimile, dialmodem or other tone based protocols. The direct connection provided bythe PSTN 206 may provide uninterrupted communication during the periodof the call that may allow the devices 202, 210 to synchronize and/orcommunicate continuously for the duration of the call. In otherexemplary embodiments, alternative communications networks may providereal time, uninterrupted communication, such as e.g., but not limitedto, some satellite and/or some circuit switched wireless networks as maybe an operable alternative to the PSTN 206.

In another exemplary embodiment, a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT)may provide a dedicated bandwidth link for the duration of an exemplarycall and may allow analog communications devices to communicatesuccessfully. VSAT terminals may include two-way satellite groundstations with an exemplary dish antenna typically smaller than 3 meters.VSATs may typically access satellites in geosynchronous orbit to relaydata from small remote earth stations called terminals to otherterminals in typically mesh configurations or master earth station hubsin star configurations. VSAT data rates may range from about narrowbandup to approximately 4 Mbit/s. As used herein, the VSAT may sharebandwidth in a time division mode. Demand assigned multiple access(DAMA) transmission may be used for an exemplary circuit-switchedconnection, wherein each user is permitted a slot of time on a demand(or request) basis.

In another exemplary embodiment, single channel per carrier/multiplechannel per carrier (SCPC/MCPC) protocol transmission may be used. Inexemplary embodiments, SCPC/MCPC may provide dedicated satellite linkbetween a few distinct locations, where the links support either asingle telephone line or several telephone or data lines. The links may,for example, be permanently assigned with no carrier switching orrerouting over the satellite.

In another embodiment, a circuit switched data connection or couplingover e.g., a cellular circuit switched wireless network may provide adedicated bandwidth link for the duration of a call and may allow analogcommunications devices to communicate successfully.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary analog communication over a SDWAN datanetwork 310 in accordance with the present exemplary embodiments.Environment 300 may include the foregoing analog telephone system 200with an exemplary SDWAN IP data packet network replacing the PSTN 206.Environment 300 also illustrates an exemplary device 100 a (left side)connected or coupled to an analog communications system 302, and anotherexemplary device 100 b (right side) connected or coupled to analogcommunications system 308.

In an exemplary embodiment, a connection or coupling may exist betweenthe exemplary devices 100 a, 100 b and the analog communications devices202, 210, which may employ any known telecommunications link. In anexemplary embodiment, link 312 and link 318 may each be either a singleanalog line or a TDM based trunk type, such as T1 or E1, and each of 312and 318 may be across any combination of telecommunications equipment.

In an exemplary embodiment, a network connection may exist between theexemplary devices 100, which may employ in part any known protocol overany known telecommunications network. In an exemplary embodiment, any oflinks 304, 306, for example, may provide IP based connections orcouplings over, e.g., but not limited to, an exemplary data network 310such as, e.g., a cellular wireless, satellite or terrestrial IP datanetwork.

In exemplary embodiments, analog communication may be transmitted fromthe analog communications device 202 circuits of exemplary network 214,across link 312 to exemplary device 100 a. Here, in exemplary device 100a the analog transmission may be digitized and accumulated, processedaccording to the current invention and transmitted over network links304 and 306 to the second exemplary device 100 b. Symbols received bythe second exemplary device 100 b may be converted into analog audio fortransmission to the exemplary analog communications device 210 overnetworks 318 and 220 of telecommunications system 308. In exemplaryembodiment 300, the link 318 between exemplary device 100 b and thetelecommunications system 308, may be a digital T1/E1 connection capableof supporting multiple simultaneous calls, or a single analogconnection, which persons skilled in the art will recognize as beingfunctionally equivalent for the current purpose.

In exemplary embodiments, analog communication may be transmitted fromthe analog communications device 210 of telecommunication system 308,across link 318 to exemplary device 100 b. Here, in exemplary device 100b the analog signal may be digitized and accumulated, processed andtransmitted over network links 306 and 304 to the exemplary device 100 aconnected or coupled to the telecommunication system 302. Symbolsreceived by this exemplary device 100 a may be converted into analogsignals for transmission over link 312 to the exemplary analogcommunications device 202 of the telecommunication system 302.

As understood by skilled persons, networks 304 and 306 may alsorespectively represent portions of the same SDWAN network or any otherknown data network. For example, the devices may also be connected orcoupled via an IP cable network, an X.25 or Frame Relay data packetnetwork, or VSAT terminals (not shown) or other satellite communicationsenabling devices, etc. In exemplary embodiments, the respective VSATuplink downlink may be connected over DAMA, SCPC, MCPC or other enablingprotocols for transmission.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment 500 of analogcommunication over an SDWAN packet based data network connecting to orcoupling with the PSTN in accordance with the present invention.Environment 500 includes the foregoing telecommunication system 308connected to or coupled through the PTSN 206 to exemplary device 100 b.

In an exemplary embodiment, a connection or coupling may exist betweenthe exemplary devices, 100 a and 100 b and the analog communicationsdevices 202 and 210, which may employ any known telecommunications link.In an exemplary embodiment, link 502 and link 510 may each be either asingle analog line or a TDM based trunk type, such as T1 or E1, and eachof 502 and 510 may be across any combination of telecommunicationsequipment.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment 600 of analogcommunication over a SDWAN packet based data network connecting to orcoupling with a VoIP or High Definition Voice communications device.Environment 600 includes the foregoing telecommunication system 302connected to or coupled through exemplary devices 100 d and 100 c to aVoIP communications device 620 which may be connected to exemplarydevice 100 c through a VoIP switch or gateway 606. The VoIPcommunications device 620 may be any standards-based conventional VoIPcommunications device or High Definition Voice communications device.

In an exemplary embodiment, a connection or coupling may exist betweenthe exemplary device 100 c and the VoIP or High Definition Voicecommunications device 620, which may employ any known telecommunicationslink. In an exemplary embodiment, link 610 may be either a single analogline or a TDM based trunk type, such as T1 or E1, or any type of IPconnection. In an exemplary embodiment, links 618 610, and 502 may beacross any combination of telecommunications equipment.

As understood by skilled persons, networks 306, 610 and 618 may alsorepresent portions of the same IP data network or a SDWAN data networkor any other known data network.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, VoIP switch or gateway 606 whichmay be a High Definition Voice switch or gateway may be combined withexemplary device 100 c such that connection 610 is internal to exemplarydevice 100 c and VoIP communications device 620 connects to or iscoupled directly with exemplary device 100 c though link 618. Aconnection or coupling may exist between the exemplary device 100 c andthe VoIP communications device 620, which may employ any knowntelecommunications link. In an exemplary embodiment, link 618 may beacross any combination of telecommunications equipment.

In an exemplary embodiment, a network connection or coupling may existbetween the VoIP or High Definition Voice communications device 620 andexemplary device 100 c, which may employ any known protocol over anyknown telecommunications network. In an exemplary embodiment, any oflinks 610, 618, for example, may provide IP based connections or asingle analog line or a TDM based trunk type, such as T1 or E1. Agateway 606 may provide connection or coupling for converting VoIP whichmay include High Definition Voice, to a PSTN compatible communicationssignal.

In exemplary embodiments, analog communications signals may betransmitted from the telecommunications system of exemplary network 302,across link 502 to the exemplary device 100 d. Here, in exemplary device100 d the analog communications signals may be digitized and convertedto VoIP or High Definition Voice data packets and may be compressedusing any known VoIP or High Definition Voice compression algorithm. TheVoIP or High Definition Voice transmission may be accumulated andprocessed according to the current invention and transmitted over aSDWAN data network via links 304, and 306 to the exemplary device 100 c.The symbols received by exemplary device 100 c may be processed andconverted to VoIP or High Definition Voice packets for transmission tothe VoIP or High Definition Voice communications device 620 over links610 and 618.

In exemplary embodiments, analog communications signals may betransmitted as VoIP or High Definition Voice packets from the VoIPcommunications device 620, across links 618 and 610 to exemplary device100 c. The VoIP packets may contain compressed audio compressed by theVoIP communications device 620 using any known VoIP or High DefinitionVoice compression algorithm. Here, in exemplary device 100 c the VoIP orHigh Definition Voice packets may be received, accumulated, andprocessed according to the current invention, and transmitted over aSDWAN network to exemplary device 100 d. In exemplary device 100 d thereceived symbols may be processed according to the current invention,decompressed according to any known VoIP or High Definition Voicecompression algorithm used by VoIP or High Definition Voicecommunications device 620 and transmitted to the telecommunicationssystem of exemplary network 302, across link 502.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment 700 of VoIP orHigh Definition Voice communications device 720 coupled to another VoIPor High Definition Voice communications devices 620 over a SDWAN datanetwork through exemplary devices 100 e and 100 c which may be connectedto exemplary devices 720 and 620 through VoIP or High Definition Voiceswitches or gateways 706 and 606 respectively.

In an exemplary embodiment, a connection or coupling may exist betweenthe exemplary devices 100 c and 100 e and the VoIP or High DefinitionVoice communications devices 620 and 720, which may employ any knowntelecommunications links. In an exemplary embodiment, links 610 and 710may be either a single analog line or a TDM based trunk type, such as T1or E1, or any type of IP connection. In an exemplary embodiment, links618 610, 710 and 718 may be across any combination of telecommunicationsequipment.

As understood by skilled persons, networks 710 and 718 may alsorepresent portions of the same IP data network or a SDWAN data networkor any other known data network.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, VoIP or High Definition Voiceswitch or gateway 706 may be combined with exemplary device 100 e suchthat connection 710 is internal to exemplary device 100 e and VoIP orHigh Definition Voice communications device 720 connects to or iscoupled directly with exemplary device 100 e though link 718. Aconnection or coupling may exist between the exemplary device 100 e andthe VoIP or High Definition Voice communications device 720, which mayemploy any known telecommunications link. In an exemplary embodiment,link 718 may be across any combination of telecommunications equipment.

In an exemplary embodiment, a network connection or coupling may existbetween the VoIP or High Definition Voice communications device 720 andexemplary device 100 e, which may employ any known protocol over anyknown telecommunications network. In an exemplary embodiment, any oflinks 710, 718, for example, may provide IP based connections or asingle analog line or a TDM based trunk type, such as T1 or E1. Agateway 706 may provide connection or coupling for converting VoIP orHigh Definition Voice to a PSTN compatible communications signal.

In exemplary embodiments, analog communications signals may betransmitted as VoIP packets from the VoIP or High Definition Voicecommunications device 720, across links 718 and 710 to exemplary device100 e. The VoIP or High Definition Voice packets may contain compressedaudio compressed by the VoIP or High Definition Voice communicationsdevice 620 using any known VoIP or High Definition Voice compressionalgorithm. Here, in exemplary device 100 e the VoIP data packets may bereceived, accumulated, and processed according to the current invention,and transmitted over a SDWAN data network to exemplary device 100 c. Inexemplary device 100 c the received symbols may be processed accordingto the current invention and converted to VoIP or High Definition Voicepackets for transmission to the VoIP or High Definition Voicecommunications device 620 over links 610 and 618.

In exemplary embodiments, analog communications signals may betransmitted as VoIP packets from the VoIP or High Definition Voicecommunications device 620, across links 618 and 610 to exemplary device100 c. The VoIP packets may contain compressed audio compressed by theVoIP or High Definition Voice communications device 620 using any knownVoIP or High Definition Voice compression algorithm. Here, in exemplarydevice 100 c the VoIP packets may be received, accumulated, andprocessed according to the current invention, and transmitted over aSDWAN data network to exemplary device 100 e. In exemplary device 100 ethe received symbols may be processed according to the current inventionand converted to VoIP packets for transmission to the VoIP or HighDefinition Voice communications device 720 over links 710 and 718.

FIG. 8A depicts an exemplary flow diagram 800 which, according to anexemplary embodiment, may describe exemplary functionality as may beperformed by an exemplary first system embodiment. According to otherexemplary embodiments, alternative exemplary system(s) need notnecessarily perform any or all of the elements of flow diagram 800 inany particular sequence, but rather may process any incoming and/or anyoutgoing, exemplary signal(s) and/or message(s), e.g., but not limitedto, in parallel and/or in serial fashion, which may further include,e.g., but not limited to, one or more unidirectional and/orbidirectional transmission(s)/reception(s), in any of various well knownmanner(s), and/or indeed may include, e.g., but not limited to, alooping process of a stream of such signal(s) and/or message(s) whichmay include, e.g., but not limited to, from time to time, continuallyand/or in one or more burst(s), transfer, communication, and/ortransmission to another subsystem of a same system, and/or to adifferent system over a communications link such as, e.g., but notlimited to, a data network, etc. To be clear, reference herein to afirst or second subsystem, and/or first or second signal(s) ormessage(s), do not imply any sequence, but are rather to distinguishbetween different and/or similar subsystems of one or more systems, orsupersystems, according to various exemplary but nonlimitingembodiments. Flow diagram 800, according to an exemplary embodiment maybegin with 802 and may continue immediately with 804.

In 804, an exemplary first system may receive exemplary first incomingaudio signal. From 804, flow diagram 800 may continue with 806.

In 806, the exemplary first system may process (e.g., digitize) thefirst incoming analog audio signal and generate a first digital audiostream which may comply to a pre-programmed audio standard such as, e.g.but not limited to G.722 or G.711 A-Law or G.711 μ-Law. From 806, flowdiagram 800 may continue with 808.

In 808, the exemplary first system may segment the said first digitalaudio stream according to one or more preprogrammed rule (s) to generatea sequence of samples of pre-programmed size. From 808, flow diagram 800may continue with 810.

In 810, the exemplary first system may compress or not compress the saidsegmented first digital audio stream samples according to one or morepreprogrammed rule(s), which may depend on, e.g., but not limited to theend-to-end throughput characteristics of the network, the number ofsimultaneous calls currently on progress, etc., using one ofpre-programmed compression algorithms e.g., but not limited to anyalgorithm optimized for voice compression or silence suppression, togenerate a sequence of processed samples. From 810, flow diagram 800 maycontinue with 812.

In 812, the exemplary first system may accumulate said first digitalaudio stream processed samples according to one or more preprogrammedrule(s), which may depend on, e.g., but not limited to the end-to-endthroughput characteristics of the network, a pre-specified forwardingperiod, a pre-specified number of processed samples, the number ofsimultaneous calls currently on progress etc., to generate a first groupof processed samples. From 812, flow diagram 800 may continue with 814.

In 814, the exemplary first system may combine said first group ofprocessed samples from said first incoming audio stream with groups ofsamples from other incoming audio streams according to one or morepreprogrammed rule(s), which may depend on, e.g. but not limited to, apre-specified forwarding period, a packet throughput limit for thenetwork, etc., to generate a first batch of processed samples to betransmitted. From 814, flow diagram 800 may continue with 816.

In 816, the exemplary first system may create a first digital messagecontaining the said first batch of processed samples according to one ormore preprogrammed rule(s), which may define, e.g. but not limited to apre-specified data link protocol. From 816, flow diagram 800 maycontinue with 818.

In 818, the exemplary first system may create a first digital message ina single network compatible data packet or sequence of data packetscontaining the said single digital message according to one or morepreprogrammed rule(s), for transmission across the network from thefirst system to the second system over a SDWAN packet data network whichmay define, e.g. but not limited to a pre-specified network protocol.From 818, flow diagram 800 may continue with 820.

In 820, an exemplary first system may receive and interpret firstincoming digital messages e.g., from the exemplary second system. From820, flow diagram 800 may continue with 822. Although not shown, it willbe apparent to those skilled in the art that various steps of flowdiagram 800, such as, e.g. but not limited to, 804 and 820 etc., may beperformed in parallel, and continually, according to an alternativeexemplary embodiment.

In 822, exemplary first incoming digital messages may be processed bythe exemplary first system according to one or more preprogrammedrule(s), which may define, e.g. but not limited to a pre-specified datalink protocol which may separate the contents of said first incomingdigital message into independent digital audio streams. From 822, flowdiagram 800 may continue with 824.

In 824, the exemplary first system may process any compressed digitalaudio stream samples according to one or more preprogrammed algorithms.From 824, flow diagram 800 may continue with 826.

In 826, the exemplary first system may accumulate said processed samplesfrom said first incoming digital audio stream and store temporarily inan output or “jitter” buffer according to one or more preprogrammedrule(s), which may depend on, e.g., but not limited to the end-to-endjitter characteristics of the network. From 826, flow diagram 800 maycontinue with 828.

In 828, the exemplary first system may regenerate first outgoing audiosignals. From 828, flow diagram 800 may continue immediately to 830,where flow diagram 800 may end. In another exemplary embodiment,exemplary flow diagram 800 need not be in serial form, but may ratherrun 804, 806, 808, 810, 812, 814, 816 and 818, and in parallel, 820,822, 824, 826, and 828, and may loop back continually to 804 and 820,respectively in an exemplary embodiment.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a second system may similarlyperform the exemplary steps noted above with reference to FIG. 8A,communicating to an exemplary first system.

According to another exemplary embodiment, in addition to the exemplaryfirst system according to FIG. 8A, the process may continue, e.g., withsimilar functionality by a second system in communication with the firstsystem.

FIG. 8B depicts an exemplary flow diagram 850, which, according to anexemplary embodiment, may describe exemplary functionality as may beperformed by an exemplary second system exemplary embodiment. Accordingto other exemplary embodiments, alternative exemplary system(s) need notnecessarily perform any or all of the elements of flow diagram 850 inany particular sequence, but rather may process any incoming and/or anyoutgoing, exemplary signal(s) and/or message(s), e.g., but not limitedto, in parallel and/or in serial fashion, which may further include,e.g., but not limited to, one or more unidirectional and/orbidirectional transmission(s)/reception(s), in any of various well knownmanner(s), and/or indeed may include, e.g., but not limited to, alooping process of a stream of such signal(s) and/or message(s) whichmay include, e.g., but not limited to, from time to time, continuallyand/or in one or more burst(s), transfer, communication, and/ortransmission to another subsystem of a same system, and/or to adifferent system over a communications link such as, e.g., but notlimited to, a data network, etc. To be clear, reference herein to afirst or second subsystem, and/or first or second signal(s) ormessage(s), do not imply any sequence, but are rather to distinguishbetween different and/or similar subsystems of one or more systems, orsupersystems, according to various exemplary but nonlimitingembodiments. Flow diagram 850, according to an exemplary embodiment maybegin with 852 and may continue immediately with 854.

In 854, an exemplary second system may receive exemplary second incomingaudio signal. From 854, flow diagram 850 may continue with 856.

In 856, the exemplary second system may process (e.g., digitize) thesecond incoming audio signal to generate a second digital audio streamwhich may comply to a pre-programmed audio standard such as, e.g. butnot limited to G.722 or G.711 A-Law or G.711 μ-Law. From 856, flowdiagram 850 may continue with 858.

In 858, the exemplary second system may segment the said second digitalaudio stream according to one or more preprogrammed rule (s) to generatea sequence of samples of pre-programmed size. From 858, flow diagram 850may continue with 860.

In 860, the exemplary second system may compress or not compress thesaid segmented second digital audio stream samples according to one ormore preprogrammed rule(s), which may depend on, e.g., but not limitedto, the end-to-end throughput characteristics of the network, the numberof simultaneous calls currently on progress, etc., using one ofpre-programmed compression algorithms e.g., but not limited to anyalgorithm optimized for voice compression or silence suppression, togenerate a sequence of processed samples. From 860, flow diagram 850 maycontinue with 862.

In 862, the exemplary second system may accumulate said second digitalaudio stream processed samples according to one or more preprogrammedrule(s), which may depend on, e.g., but not limited to, the end-to-endthroughput characteristics of the network, a pre-specified accumulationperiod, a pre-specified number of samples, the number of simultaneouscalls currently on progress, etc., to generate a second group ofprocessed samples. From 862, flow diagram 850 may continue with 864.

In 864, the exemplary second system may combine said second group ofsamples from said second incoming audio stream with groups of samplesfrom other incoming audio signals according to one or more preprogrammedrule(s), which may depend on, e.g. but not limited to a pre-specifiedforwarding period, a packet throughput limit for the network, etc., togenerate a second batch of processed samples to be transmitted. From864, flow diagram 850 may continue with 866.

In 866, the exemplary second system may create a single digital messagecontaining the said second batch of processed samples according to oneor more preprogrammed rule(s), which may define, e.g. but not limited toa pre-specified data link protocol. From 866, flow diagram 850 maycontinue with 868.

In 868, the exemplary second system may create a second digital messagein a single network compatible data packet or sequence of data packetscontaining the said second digital message according to one or morepreprogrammed rule(s), for transmission across the network from thesecond system to, e.g., the first system, over a SDWAN packet datanetwork which may define, e.g. but not limited to a pre-specifiednetwork protocol. From 868, flow diagram 850 may continue with 870.

In 870, an exemplary second system may receive and interpret secondincoming digital messages e.g., from the exemplary first system. From870, flow diagram 850 may continue with 872. Although not shown, it willbe apparent to those skilled in the art that various steps of flowdiagram 850, such as, e.g. but not limited to, 854 and 870 etc., may beperformed in parallel, and continually, according to an alternativeexemplary embodiment.

In 872, exemplary second incoming digital messages may be processed bythe exemplary second system according to one or more preprogrammedrule(s), which may define, e.g. but not limited to a pre-specified datalink protocol which may separate the contents of said second incomingdigital message into independent digital audio streams. From 872, flowdiagram 850 may continue with 874.

In 874, the exemplary second system may process any compressed digitalaudio stream samples according to one or more preprogrammed algorithms.From 874, flow diagram 850 may continue with 876.

In 876, the exemplary second system may accumulate processed samplesfrom said second incoming digital audio stream and store temporarily inan output or “jitter” buffer according to one or more preprogrammedrule(s), which may depend on, e.g., but not limited to the end-to-endjitter characteristics of the network. From 876, flow diagram 850 maycontinue with 878.

In 878, the exemplary second system may regenerate second outgoing audiosignals. From 878, flow diagram 850 may continue immediately to 880,where flow diagram 850 may end. In another exemplary embodiment,exemplary flow diagram 850 need not be in serial form, but may ratherrun 854, 856, 858, 860, 862, 864, 866 and 868, and in parallel, 870,872, 874, 876, and 878, and may loop back continually to 854 and 870,respectively in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary flow diagram 900, which, according to anexemplary embodiment, may describe exemplary functionality as may beperformed by an exemplary combination system, which may refer to a firstsystem, a second system, or one or more systems, subsystems and/orsupersystems, according to various exemplary embodiments. According toother exemplary embodiments, alternative exemplary system(s) need notnecessarily perform any or all of the elements of flow diagram 900 inany particular sequence, but rather may process any incoming and/or anyoutgoing, exemplary signal(s) and/or message(s), e.g., but not limitedto, in parallel and/or in serial fashion, which may further include,e.g., but not limited to, one or more unidirectional and/orbidirectional transmission(s)/reception(s), in any of various well knownmanner(s), and/or indeed may include, e.g., but not limited to, alooping process of a stream of such signal(s) and/or message(s) whichmay include, e.g., but not limited to, from time to time, continuallyand/or in one or more burst(s), transfer, communication, and/ortransmission to another subsystem of a same system, and/or to adifferent system over a communications link such as, e.g., but notlimited to, a data network, etc. To be clear, reference herein to afirst or second subsystem, and/or first or second signal(s) ormessage(s), do not imply any sequence, but are rather to distinguishbetween different and/or similar subsystems of one or more systems, orsupersystems, according to various exemplary but nonlimitingembodiments.

Flow diagram 900, according to an exemplary embodiment may begin with902 and may continue immediately with 904.

In 904, an exemplary first system may receive an exemplary packet and/orpackets, which may contain first incoming audio signal information, thepackets received from a packet data network of any of several well knowntypes including, e.g., but not limited to, terrestrial, satellite,optical, wireless, and/or wireline, etc. From 904, flow diagram 900 maycontinue with 906. Audio frequency signal information may be in a VoIPpacket or High Definition Voice packet, and may already be compressed,etc.

In 906, the exemplary first system may interpret the first incomingaudio signal information according to a message protocol being used,e.g., but not limited to, any VoIP or High Definition Voice compressionalgorithm. From 906, if the first incoming audio signal information isnot compressed the flow diagram 900 may continue with 908. From 906, ifthe first incoming audio signal information is already compressed theflow diagram 900 may continue with 912. Although not shown, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that in an alternative embodimentan additional link between 906 and 908 may be added to decompress afirst incoming audio signal that is already compressed.

In 908, the exemplary first system may segment the said first incominguncompressed audio signal information according to one or morepreprogrammed rule (s) to generate a sequence of samples ofpre-programmed size. From 908, flow diagram 900 may continue with 910.

In 910, the exemplary first system may compress or not compress the saidsegmented first digital audio stream samples according to one or morepreprogrammed rule(s), which may depend on, e.g., but not limited to,the end-to-end throughput characteristics of the network, the number ofsimultaneous calls currently on progress, etc., using one ofpre-programmed compression algorithms e.g., but not limited to anyalgorithm optimized for voice compression or silence suppression, togenerate a sequence of processed samples. From 910, flow diagram 900 maycontinue with 912.

In 912, the exemplary first system may accumulate said first digitalaudio stream processed samples according to one or more preprogrammedrule(s), which may depend on, e.g., but not limited to, the end-to-endthroughput characteristics of the network, a pre-specified accumulationperiod, a pre-specified number of samples, the number of simultaneouscalls currently on progress, etc., to generate a first group ofprocessed samples. From 912, flow diagram 900 may continue with 914.

In 914, the exemplary first system may combine said first group ofaccumulated samples from said first incoming audio signal with groups ofsamples from other incoming audio signals according to one or morepreprogrammed rule(s), which may depend on, e.g. but not limited to apre-specified forwarding period, a packet throughput limit for thenetwork, etc., to generate a first batch of processed samples to betransmitted. From 914, flow diagram 900 may continue with 916.

In 916, the exemplary first system may create a first digital messagecontaining the said first batch of processed samples according to one ormore preprogrammed rule(s), which may define, e.g. but not limited to apre-specified data link protocol. From 916, flow diagram 900 maycontinue with 918.

In 918, the exemplary first system may create a first digital message ina single network compatible data packet or sequence of data packetscontaining the said single digital message according to one or morepreprogrammed rule(s), for transmission across the network from thefirst system to the second system over a SDWAN packet data network whichmay define, e.g. but not limited to a pre-specified network protocol.From 918, flow diagram 900 may continue immediately to 930, where flowdiagram 900 may end. In another exemplary embodiment, exemplary flowdiagram 900 need not be in serial form, but may rather run 904, 906,908, 910, 912, 914, 916 and 918 in parallel, and may loop backcontinually to 904 in an exemplary embodiment.

According to another exemplary embodiment, in addition to the exemplaryfirst system according to FIG. 9, the process may continue, e.g., withsimilar functionality by a second system in communication with the firstsystem such as, e.g., but not limited to, the flow diagram of FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary flow diagram 1000, which, according to anexemplary embodiment, may describe exemplary functionality as may beperformed by an exemplary combination system, which may refer to a firstsystem, a second system, or one or more systems, subsystems and/orsupersystems, according to various exemplary embodiments. According toother exemplary embodiments, alternative exemplary system(s) need notnecessarily perform any or all of the elements of flow diagram 1000 inany particular sequence, but rather may process any incoming and/or anyoutgoing, exemplary signal(s) and/or message(s), e.g., but not limitedto, in parallel and/or in serial fashion, which may further include,e.g., but not limited to, one or more unidirectional and/orbidirectional transmission(s)/reception(s), in any of various well knownmanner(s), and/or indeed may include, e.g., but not limited to, alooping process of a stream of such signal(s) and/or message(s) whichmay include, e.g., but not limited to, from time to time, continuallyand/or in one or more burst(s), transfer, communication, and/ortransmission to another subsystem of a same system, and/or to adifferent system over a communications link such as, e.g., but notlimited to, a data network, etc. To be clear, reference herein to afirst or second subsystem, and/or first or second signal(s) ormessage(s), do not imply any sequence, but are rather to distinguishbetween different and/or similar subsystems of one or more systems, orsuper systems, according to various exemplary but nonlimitingembodiments.

Flow diagram 1000, according to an exemplary embodiment may begin with1002 and may continue immediately with 1004.

In 1004, an exemplary second system may receive and interpret firstincoming digital messages e.g., from the exemplary first system. From1004, flow diagram 1000 may continue with 1006.

In 1006, exemplary first incoming digital messages may be processed bythe exemplary second system according to one or more preprogrammedrule(s), which may define, e.g. but not limited to a pre-specified datalink protocol which may separate the contents of said first incomingdigital message into independent digital audio streams. From 1006, flowdiagram 1000 may continue with 1008.

In 1008, the exemplary second system may interpret the first incomingdigital audio stream according to a message protocol being used, e.g.,but not limited to, any High Definition Voice system, or VoIP system oralgorithm. From 1008, if the first incoming audio stream is not coupledwith or connected to a VoIP or High Definition Voice (HDV) system theflow diagram 1000 may continue with 1010. From 1008, if the firstincoming digital audio stream is coupled with or connected to a VoIP oor High Definition Voice system the flow diagram 1000 may continue with1016.

In 1010, the exemplary second system may process which may include,e.g., but not limited to decompress the digital audio stream samplesaccording to one or more preprogrammed rules. From 1010, flow diagram1000 may continue with 1012.

In 1012, the exemplary second system may accumulate processed samplesfrom said second incoming digital audio stream and store temporarily ina “jitter” buffer according to one or more preprogrammed rule(s), whichmay depend on, e.g., but not limited to the end-to-end jittercharacteristics of the network. From 1012 flow diagram 1000 may continuewith 1014.

In 1014, the exemplary second system may regenerate second outgoingaudio signals. From 1014, flow diagram 1000 may continue immediately to1020, where flow diagram 1000 may end. In another exemplary embodiment,exemplary flow diagram 1000 need not be in serial form, but may ratherrun 1004, 1004, 1006, followed by 1008, 1010, 1012, 1014, or 1016 and1018, and may loop back continually to 1004 in an exemplary embodiment.

In 1016, the exemplary second system may process samples of the incomingdigital audio stream which may include, e.g., but not limited todecompress the digital audio stream samples according to one or morepreprogrammed rules and which may provide functions to connect to orcouple with a VoIP communications device or a VoIP gateway or a HighDefinition Voice communications device or system. From 1016, flowdiagram 1000 may continue with 1018.

In 1018, the exemplary second system may transmit an exemplary packetand/or packets, which may contain first incoming digital audio signalinformation in the form of e.g., VoIP packets or High Definition Voicepackets, the packets transmitted to a packet data network of any ofseveral well known types including, e.g., but not limited to,terrestrial, satellite, optical, wireless, and/or wireline, etc. From1018, flow diagram 1000 may continue with 1020 or loop back to 1004.

According to another exemplary embodiment, in addition to the exemplarysecond system according to FIG. 10, the process may continue (or proceedin parallel), e.g., with similar functionality by a second system incommunication with the first system such as, e.g., but not limited to,the flow diagram of FIG. 9.

Although certain exemplary embodiments may have the first and secondexemplary systems arranged horizontally (i.e., forming a symmetricsignal path as in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7), alternatively, in other exemplaryembodiments, the first and second exemplary systems may be arrangedvertically processing different types of exemplary traffic.

Specifically, in some exemplary embodiments (see, e.g., as illustratedin, FIG. 5) an exemplary system one may interface to the PSTN one endand may be coupled to a private branch exchange, key system or directlyto an analog communications device on the other end, and then the systemtwo may interface to a private branch exchange, key system or directlyto an analog communications device one end and may be coupled to thePSTN on the other end.

In other exemplary embodiments (see, e.g., as illustrated in, FIG. 6) anexemplary system one may interface to a PSTN compatible system on oneend and may be coupled to a data network on the other end, and then thesystem two may interface to the data network on one end and be coupledto the PSTN compatible system on the other end.

In other alternative exemplary embodiments, the first and second systemsmay be directly coupled to two separate WAN links, one or both of whichmay connect to a SDWAN packet data network.

In other alternative exemplary embodiments, the first and second systemsmay be simultaneously coupled with multiple other devices and may form amesh network of connections of which at least one may be to a SDWANpacket data network.

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary flow diagram 1100, which, according to anexemplary embodiment, may describe exemplary functionality as may beperformed by an exemplary first system, or part of an exemplarycombination system, which may refer to a first system, a second system,or one or more systems, subsystems and/or super systems, according tovarious exemplary embodiments. According to other exemplary embodiments,alternative exemplary system(s) need not necessarily perform any or allof the elements of flow diagram 1100 in any particular sequence, butrather may process any incoming and/or any outgoing, exemplary signal(s)and/or message(s), e.g., but not limited to, in parallel and/or inserial fashion, which may further include, e.g., but not limited to, oneor more unidirectional and/or bidirectionaltransmission(s)/reception(s), in any of various well known manner(s),and/or indeed may include, e.g., but not limited to, a looping processof a stream of such signal(s) and/or message(s) which may include, e.g.,but not limited to, from time to time, continually and/or in one or moreburst(s), transfer, communication, and/or transmission to anothersubsystem of a same system, and/or to a different system over acommunications link such as, e.g., but not limited to, a data network,etc. To be clear, reference herein to a first or second subsystem,and/or first or second signal(s) or message(s), do not imply anysequence, but are rather to distinguish between different and/or similarsubsystems of one or more systems, or super systems, according tovarious exemplary but nonlimiting embodiments.

Flow diagram 1100, according to an exemplary embodiment may begin with1102 and may continue immediately with 1104.

In 1104, as illustrated in flow diagram 1100, an exemplary first systemmay set certain thresholds used by an exemplary first system, saidthresholds may be fixed or may be modified later by an exemplary firstsystem according to preprogrammed rules. From 1104, flow diagram 1100may continue with 1106.

In 1106, as illustrated in flow diagram 1100, the exemplary first systemmay receive a first digital audio stream, said stream may comply with anaudio standard such as, e.g. but not limited to G.722 or G.711 A-Law orG.711 From 1106, flow diagram 1100 may continue with 1108.

In 1108, as illustrated in flow diagram 1100, the exemplary first systemmay segment the said first digital audio stream according to one or morepreprogrammed rule (s) to generate a sequence of samples ofpre-programmed size. From 1108, flow diagram 1100 may continue with1110.

In 1110, as illustrated in flow diagram 1100, the exemplary first systemmay compress or not compress the said segmented first digital audiostream samples according to one or more preprogrammed rule(s), which maydepend on, e.g., but not limited to the end-to-end throughputcharacteristics of the network, the number of simultaneous callscurrently on progress, etc., using one of pre-programmed compressionalgorithms e.g., but not limited to any algorithm optimized for voicecompression or silence suppression, to generate a sequence of processedsamples. From 1110, flow diagram 1100 may continue with 1112.

In 1112, as illustrated in flow diagram 1100, the exemplary first systemmay accumulate said first digital audio stream processed samples in anaggregation buffer. From 1112, flow diagram 1100 may continue with 1114.

In 1114, as illustrated in flow diagram 1100, the exemplary first systemmay compare the contents of the aggregation buffer to a threshold, saidthreshold may be fixed or may be calculated according to one or morepreprogrammed rule(s), which may depend on, e.g., but not limited to theend-to-end throughput characteristics of the network, a pre-specifiedforwarding period, a pre-specified number of processed samples, thenumber of simultaneous calls currently on progress etc., and if thethreshold is determined to be reached, then flow diagram 1000 maycontinue with 1122 and if the threshold is determined not to have beenreached, then flow diagram 1100 may continue with 1116.

In 1116, as illustrated in flow diagram 1100, logic of the exemplaryfirst system may determine whether the incoming audio signal has ended,and if so, then flow diagram may continue with 1120 where the upperportion of flow diagram 1100 may end, and if it is determined that theincoming audio signal has not ended, then flow diagram 1100 may continuewith 1118. In another exemplary embodiment, exemplary flow diagram 1100need not end and may loop back continually to 1102 or to 1104 in anotherexemplary embodiment.

In 1118, as illustrated in flow diagram 1100, the exemplary first systemmay calculate a new aggregation threshold according to one or morepreprogrammed rule(s), which may depend on, e.g., but not limited to theend-to-end throughput characteristics of the network, a pre-specifiedforwarding period, a pre-specified number of processed samples, thenumber of simultaneous calls currently on progress etc. In anotherexemplary embodiment, exemplary flow diagram 1100 may recalculate a newaggregation threshold e.g. but not limited to, at the end of an incomingsignal, at pre-determined time intervals, never. From 1118, flow diagram1100 may continue with 1106.

In 1124, as illustrated in flow diagram 1100, the exemplary first systemmay combine the first group of processed samples from said firstincoming audio stream with groups of samples from other incoming audiostreams to create a batch of samples ready for transmission to a secondsystem. From 1124, flow diagram 1100 may continue with 1126.

In 1126, as illustrated in flow diagram 1100, the exemplary first systemmay determine if the forwarding threshold has been reached, saidthreshold may be fixed or may be calculated according to one or morepreprogrammed rule(s), which may depend on, e.g., but not limited to theend-to-end throughput characteristics of the network, a pre-specifiedforwarding period, the number of simultaneous calls currently onprogress, a pre-specified throughput limit in eg. but not limited to, anumber of packets per second, etc., and if the threshold is determinedto be reached, then flow diagram 1100 may continue with 1128 and if thethreshold is determined not to have been reached, then flow diagram 1100may continue with 1134

In 1128, as illustrated in flow diagram 1100, the exemplary first systemmay calculate and set the next forwarding threshold. From 1128, flowdiagram 1100 may continue with 1130.

In 1130, as illustrated in flow diagram 1100, the exemplary first systemmay create a single digital message containing the said batch ofprocessed samples according to one or more preprogrammed rule(s), whichmay define, e.g. but not limited to a pre-specified data link protocol.From 1130, flow diagram 1100 may continue with 1132.

1132, as illustrated in flow diagram 1100, the exemplary first systemmay create a digital message in a single network compatible data packetor sequence of data packets containing the said single digital messageaccording to one or more preprogrammed rule(s), for transmission acrossthe network from the first system to the second system over a SDWAN datanetwork which may define, e.g. but not limited to a pre-specifiednetwork protocol. 1132, flow diagram 1100 may continue with 1134.

1134, as illustrated in flow diagram 1100, the exemplary first systemmay calculate a new forwarding threshold according to one or morepreprogrammed rule(s), which may depend on, e.g., but not limited to theend-to-end throughput characteristics of the network, a pre-specifiedforwarding period, the number of simultaneous calls currently onprogress, a pre-specified throughput limit in e.g., but not limited to,a number of packets per second, etc. In another exemplary embodiment,exemplary flow diagram 1100 may recalculate a new forwarding thresholde.g. but not limited to, at the end of an incoming signal, atpre-determined time intervals, never. From 1134, flow diagram 1100 maycontinue with 1124 and may loop back continually to 1124.

It is important to note that all exemplary flow diagrams are deemed tobe of an example nature, and are intended not to be limited, but ratherexemplary in nature to ease those of ordinary skill in the relevant artto more easily make and use the claimed inventions. Although not shown,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various steps offlow diagram 1100, may be performed in parallel, serially, and/orcontinually, or in a different order, according to an alternativeexemplary embodiment.

According to another exemplary embodiment, in addition to the exemplaryfirst system according to FIG. 11, the process may continue (or proceedin parallel), e.g., with similar functionality by a second system incommunication with the first system such as, e.g., but not limited to,the flow diagram of FIG. 9.

First Exemplary Embodiments for Connecting or Coupling AudioCommunications Systems Over a SD WAN Packet Data Network

In an exemplary embodiment, device 100 (i.e., 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100d, 100 e, collectively “device 100”) may provide the ability to receiveaudio 206 signals, such as, for example, e.g., but not limited to, froman analog line or from a digital TDM link, and decode these signals.While exemplary attributes such as PSTN 206 line, analog line, FXS, FXO,E&M, TDM link, or T1 and E1 trunks may be described, the foregoingterminology are employed for illustrative purposes only and are in noway to be construed as limitations of the present embodiments.

In an exemplary embodiment, device 100 may provide the ability toconvert between transmission protocols, such as, e.g., but not limitedto, from a TDM data structure to IP, and back again. An exemplaryfeature of the equipment described may be the ability to provide aconnection path for TDM links as transparently as possible to thesystems connected at both ends, regardless of the transport medium andany intermediate protocols used to provide the connection. Two variablesthat may be accommodated in order for the proposed solution to beflexible and operate with a wide variety of potential network solutionsinclude, e.g., but are not limited to, (i) accommodation for a widepotential variation in time delay across the network path, and (ii)buffering to allow the continuous operation of the transmissionprotocol, such as, e.g., exemplary TDM circuits, while receiving andtransmitting discontinuous data packets over the network, such as, e.g.,exemplary IP connection or coupling (for example, to compensate for gapsbetween blocks of information received from the packet data networks 310that need to be continuously transmitted without a break over the TDMcircuit).

As outlined above, the basic method of operation of a packet based datanetwork 310 may include that of accumulating information for a period oftime and then transmitting it in a burst of data known as a packet.There is therefore a period of accumulation during which time the datamay be stored at the transmitting end of the link, a processing delaywhile the “packet” is created, a period of packet transmission, a periodof accumulation at the receiving end of the link, a period of processingat the receiving end of the link and finally a period of transmission tothe local equipment. The actual delays incurred may vary considerablyfrom packet to packet. In addition to the variations in packet delayincurred during the process described above, additional very significantdelays may be incurred traversing the network architecture, specificallyin the case of some cellular wireless and satellite links but also overinternational links such as, e.g., but not limited to, through gatewaysbetween public IP data networks (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 3, in this embodiment both the analog communicationsystems 302 and 308 may be connected or coupled to the described devices100 a, and 100 b and may exchange transmissions across a SDWAN packetdata network. Audio signals may be received by device 100 a, processedaccording preprogrammed rules, converted to a symbol stream, merged withother symbol streams from other audio signals, and may be transmitted tothe other device 100 b over the network 310. At the receiving side 100 bof network 310 the received symbols may be separated into independentaudio streams, each independent stream may be processed according topreprogrammed rules, buffered in an exemplary output or jitter buffer(not shown) within device 100 b for a period of time to accommodatevariations in delay over network 310, after which the symbols may betransmitted to the attached system 308 as audio signals using theappropriate analog or digital structure of communication with system308.

In an exemplary embodiment, audio signals may be transmitted between thedevices 100 over network 310 within a sufficient time period that audiosignals may be regenerated at the receiving side of devices 100 withouta break in the audio. Any delay beyond that accommodated by theexemplary jitter buffers of devices 100, or any loss of packetinformation at a receiving device 100 may lead to a break in the timelytransmission of the audio signal to the attached systems 302, 308 whichmay in turn cause an interruption and possibly in some circumstances aneventual failure of the communications. Such failure in communicationsmay typically be caused by irrecoverable loss of critical audio and/or aprocedural timeout during a PSTN call, e.g., but not limited to afacsimile or dial-modem data call.

As outlined above, conventional VoIP and High Definition Voice systemstypically generate a continuous stream of IP packets for every call inprogress. In an attempt to reduce the bandwidth required to supportconventional VoIP calls a voice compression algorithm is sometimes used,and in such cases the IP overhead associated with each packet may oftenexceed the size of the compressed audio payload by several factors.Additionally, both conventional VoIP systems and High Definition Voicesystems generate an independent IP packet stream for each call inprogress even though said calls may be traversing the same networkconnections. Furthermore, VoIP systems often create additional large IPpackets to initiate a VoIP call, e.g., using a Session InitiationProtocol (SIP). As a consequence of these processes, VoIP systems oftengenerate a large number of packets, the majority of each packetconsisting of IP packet overhead which can greatly increase loading onthe network and consequently the likelihood of packets being delayed ordiscarded if there are bandwidth or packet processing bottlenecks withinthe network.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present inventionconventional VoIP or High Definition Voice systems may be improved uponto reduce the likelihood of packets being delayed or discarded by aSDWAN packet data network. In the applications of interest, which mayinclude the transmission of multiple audio signals between devices 100over a SDWAN packet data network, a combination of techniques andpreprogrammed rules are used to optimize the packet stream for thecommunication of a single and/or of many simultaneous audio signalsbetween devices 100 over a SDWAN packet data network.

Referring again to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 in an exemplary embodiment, devices100 can receive audio signals from PSTN compatible devices and decodeany audio tones which or may not be present to determine which of aplurality of compression techniques and preprogrammed rules may beapplied to the audio signal being received, e.g., but not limited to afacsimile transmission, a dial-modem transmission, DTMF or FSK keydetection. Additionally devices 100 may determine based on preprogrammedrules that audio stream samples may be passed uncompressed to subsequentstages of processing within the device 100 based on e.g., but notlimited to the number of current active calls in progress.

In an exemplary embodiment, device 100 can receive audio tones from PSTNlines and decode these tones as DTMF, FSK, PSK, QAM or other encodedsignal types and which signal types are all considered audio tones orsignals for the current description. Device 100 can also transmit audiotones to PSTN 206 lines and encode these tones as DTMF, FSK, PSK, QAM orother encoded signal types and which signal types are all consideredaudio tones or signals for the current description.

In an exemplary embodiment, devices 100 can aggregate compressed oruncompressed audio samples from one or more audio signals and store anddelay forwarding for transmission based on preprogrammed or learnedrules which may depend e.g., but not limited to the number of currentactive calls in progress.

In an exemplary embodiment, devices 100 can exchange messages overnetwork 310 using a preprogrammed link level protocol and message formatoptimized for communication over a SDWAN packet data network. Said linklevel protocol may provide the ability to establish pier to pierconnections between devices 100 so that call connect times are greatlyreduced compared to standard VoIP systems or are eliminated completely.Said link level protocol may provide the ability to combine/separatemultiple compressed or uncompressed audio streams which may be using thesame or different audio compression techniques into one packet stream.Said link level protocol may be operable according to preprogrammed orlearned rules.

Second Exemplary Embodiments for Connecting Audio Communications SystemsOver a SDWAN Packet Data Network

Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 in an exemplary embodiment, devices 100can receive audio samples from VoIP or High Definition Voice compatibledevices and process said samples using preprogrammed or learned rulesfor the transmission of said samples over a SDWAN packet data networkusing the aforementioned exemplary processes of devices 100.

Referring to FIG. 6, in an exemplary embodiment 600, device 100 cprovides the ability to receive VoIP or High Definition Voice packetsdirectly, such as, e.g., but not limited to from a VoIP service provideror a VoIP communications device, or a High Definition Voicecommunications device and act as a gateway converting these packets towideband analog 206 signals (not illustrated), or as illustrated,regenerated as PSTN compatible audio signals by the receiving device 100d connected directly to PSTN compatible communication system 302 by ananalog line or a TDM link. While exemplary attributes such as VoIP andcompression may be described, the foregoing terminology is employed forillustrative purposes only and is in no way to be construed aslimitations of the present embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 7, in an exemplary embodiment 700, devices 100 c and100 e provide the ability to receive VoIP packets directly, from, e.g.,but not limited to a VoIP service provider or a VoIP communicationsdevice. In an exemplary embodiment 700, devices 100 c and 100 e providethe ability to receive High Definition Voice packets directly, from,e.g., but not limited to a High Definition Voice service provider or aHigh Definition Voice communications device (not illustrated). Devices100 can have the ability to decompress, compress or leave unchanged theVoIP or High Definition Voice audio payload, can eliminate the IP packetoverhead, can aggregate and combine the VoIP audio stream with otherVoIP or High Definition Voice or non-VoIP PSTN compatible audio streamsincoming to the device 100, and can transmit to another device 100 overa SDWAN packet network in a single packet stream using a link levelprotocol optimized for communication over a packet data network. Adevice 100 receiving the said optimized link level packet stream can usepreprogrammed or learned rules to separate out the individual audiostreams, can decompress, compress or leave unchanged the VoIP audiopayload, can regenerate the IP packet information, and can buffer andretransmit the reconstituted VoIP or High Definition Voice packet streamto a connected e.g., but not limited to a VoIP or High Definition Voiceservice provider or a VoIP or High Definition Voice communicationsdevice.

An Exemplary Computer System

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a computer system 400 that maybe used in association with, in connection with, and/or in place of, butnot limited to, computer platform 116, according to exemplaryembodiments of the present invention.

The present embodiments (or any part(s) or function(s) thereof) may beimplemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereofand may be implemented in one or more computer systems or otherprocessing systems. In fact, in one exemplary embodiment, the inventionmay be directed toward one or more computer systems capable of carryingout the functionality described herein. An example of a computer system400 is shown in FIG. 4, depicting an exemplary embodiment of a blockdiagram of an exemplary computer system useful for implementing thepresent invention. Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates an example computer400, which in an exemplary embodiment may be, e.g., (but not limited to)a personal computer (PC) system running an operating system such as,e.g., (but not limited to) WINDOWS MOBILE™ for POCKET PC, or MICROSOFT®WINDOWS® NT/98/2000/XP/CE/,etc. available from MICROSOFT® Corporation ofRedmond, Wash., U.S.A., SOLARIS® from SUN® Microsystems of Santa Clara,Calif., U.S.A., OS/2 from IBM® Corporation of Armonk, NY, U.S.A.,MAC/OS, MAC/OSX, IOS, etc. from APPLE® Corporation of Cupertino, Calif.,U.S.A., etc., or any of various versions of UNIX® (a trademark of theOpen Group of San Francisco, Calif., USA) including, e.g., LINUX®,HPUX®, IBM AIX®, and SCO/UNIX®, etc. However, the invention may not belimited to these platforms. Indeed aspects of systems may includedevices with various other input and/or output subsystems including,e.g., but not limited to, tablet displays, keyboards, various sensor(s),touch screen sensors, pressure sensors, location sensors (e.g., globalpositioning system (GPS), etc.), accelerometers, multi-dimensionalsensor(s), temporal based datalogs, etc. Instead, the invention may beimplemented on any appropriate computer system running any appropriateoperating system. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention maybe implemented on a computer system operating as discussed herein. Anexemplary computer system, computer 400 is shown in FIG. 4. Othercomponents of the invention, such as, e.g., (but not limited to) acomputing device, a communications device, a telephone, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a personal computer (PC), a handheld PC, clientworkstations, thin clients, thick clients, proxy servers, networkcommunication servers, remote access devices, client computers, servercomputers, peer-to-peer devices, tablets, touch-enabled devices, sensorenabled devices, location sensing devices, convertible, table/laptop,mobile, smart devices, smart phones, phablets, wearable technology,watch devices, glass devices, routers, web servers, data, media, audio,video, telephony or streaming technology servers, etc., may also beimplemented using a computer such as that shown in FIG. 4 and/oradditional subsystems perhaps not all shown, as discussed.

The computer system 400 may include one or more processors, such as,e.g., but not limited to, processor(s) 404. The processor(s) 404 may beconnected to a communication infrastructure 406 (e.g., but not limitedto, a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network, etc.). Variousexemplary software embodiments may be described in terms of thisexemplary computer system. After reading this description, it willbecome apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) how toimplement the invention using other computer systems and/orarchitectures.

Computer system 400 may include a display interface 402 that mayforward, e.g., but not limited to, graphics, text, and other data, etc.,from the communication infrastructure 406 (or from a frame buffer, etc.,not shown) for display on the display unit 430.

The computer system 400 may also include, e.g., but may not be limitedto, a main memory 408, random access memory (RAM), and/or a secondarymemory 410, etc. The secondary memory 410 may include, for example, (butnot limited to) a hard disk drive 412, flash memory, a storage device,and/or a removable storage drive 414, representing a floppy diskettedrive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a compact diskdrive CD-ROM, etc. The removable storage drive 414 may, e.g., but notlimited to, read from and/or write to a removable storage unit 418 in awell known manner. Removable storage unit 418, also called a programstorage device or a computer program product, may represent, e.g., butnot limited to, a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, compactdisk, etc. which may be read from and written to by removable storagedrive 414. As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit 418 mayinclude a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computersoftware and/or data.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, secondary memory 410 may includeother similar devices for allowing computer programs or otherinstructions to be loaded into computer system 400. Such devices mayinclude, for example, a removable storage unit 422 and an interface 420.Examples of such may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface(such as, e.g., but not limited to, those found in video game devices),a removable memory chip (such as, e.g., but not limited to, an erasableprogrammable read only memory (EPROM), or programmable read only memory(PROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units 422 andinterfaces 420, which may allow software and data to be transferred fromthe removable storage unit 422 to computer system 400.

Computer 400 may also include an input device such as, e.g., (but notlimited to) a mouse or other pointing device such as a digitizer, and akeyboard or other data entry device (none of which are labeled).

Computer 400 may also include output devices, such as, e.g., (but notlimited to) display 430, and display interface 402. Computer 400 mayinclude input/output (I/O) devices such as, e.g., (but not limited to)communications interface 424, cable 428 and communications path 426,etc. These devices may include, e.g., but not limited to, a networkinterface card, and modems (neither are labeled). Communicationsinterface 424 may allow software and data to be transferred betweencomputer system 400 and external devices. Examples of communicationsinterface 424 may include, e.g., but may not be limited to, a modem, anetwork interface (such as, e.g., an Ethernet card), a communicationsport, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA)slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via communicationsinterface 424 may be in the form of signals 428 which may be electronic,electromagnetic, optical or other signals capable of being received bycommunications interface 424. These signals 428 may be provided tocommunications interface 424 via, e.g., but not limited to, acommunications path 426(e.g., but not limited to, a channel). Thischannel 426 may carry signals 428, which may include, e.g., but notlimited to, propagated signals, and may be implemented using, e.g., butnot limited to, wire or cable, fiber optics, a telephone line, acellular link, an radio frequency (RF) link and other communicationschannels, etc.

In this document, the terms “computer program medium” and “computerreadable medium” may be used to generally refer to media such as, e.g.,but not limited to removable storage drive 414, a hard disk installed inhard disk drive 412, and signals 428, etc. These computer programproducts may provide software to computer system 400. The invention maybe directed to such computer program products.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,”“various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of theinvention so described may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes theparticular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated useof the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” donot necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

In the following description and claims, the terms “coupled” and“connected,” along with their derivatives, may be used. It should beunderstood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other.Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicatethat two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contactwith each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are indirect physical or electrical contact. However, “coupled” may also meanthat two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, butyet still co-operate or interact with each other.

An algorithm is here, and generally, considered to be a self-consistentsequence of acts or operations leading to a desired result. Theseinclude physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, thoughnot necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical ormagnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined,compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times,principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals asbits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers or the like.It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specificationdiscussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,”“calculating,” “determining,” or the like, refer to the action and/orprocesses of a computer or computing system, or similar electroniccomputing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented asphysical, such as electronic, quantities within the computing system'sregisters and/or memories into other data similarly represented asphysical quantities within the computing system's memories, registers orother such information storage, transmission or display devices.

In a similar manner, the term “processor” may refer to any device orportion of a device that processes electronic data from registers and/ormemory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data thatmay be stored in registers and/or memory. A “computing platform” maycomprise one or more processors.

Embodiments of the present invention may include apparatuses forperforming the operations herein. An apparatus may be speciallyconstructed for the desired purposes, or it may comprise a generalpurpose device selectively activated or reconfigured by a program storedin the device, and/or a special purpose device programmed according tovarious algorithms and/or flowcharts and processes/methods as describedat length herein.

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented in one or a combinationof hardware, firmware, and software. Embodiments of the invention mayalso be implemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium,which may be read and executed by a computing platform, which mayinclude one or more processors, such as, e.g., but not limited to, amicroprocessor, a multi-core processor, a quadcore processor, a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a quantum computer, a nanoprocessor, acomputational engine, an information appliance, a virtual processor, aco-processor, a busmaster processor, a graphics processor (GPU), adigital signal processor (DSP), controller, microcontroller, system on achip (SOC), cluster, and/or other processor, to perform the operationsdescribed herein. A machine-readable medium may include any mechanismfor storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine(e.g., a computer). For example, a machine-readable medium may includeread only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic diskstorage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; electrical,optical, acoustical, magneto-optical, SD-RAM, SDCard, and/or other formof nontransitory medium storing any propagated signals (e.g., carrierwaves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), and others.

Computer programs (also called computer control logic), may includeobject oriented computer programs, and may be stored in main memory 408and/or the secondary memory 410 and/or removable storage units 414, alsocalled computer program products. Such computer programs, when executed,may enable the computer system 400 to perform the features of thepresent invention as discussed herein. In particular, the computerprograms, when executed, may enable the processor 404 to provide amethod to resolve conflicts during data synchronization according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, suchcomputer programs may represent controllers of the computer system 400.

In another exemplary embodiment, the invention may be directed to acomputer program product comprising a computer readable medium havingcontrol logic (computer software) stored therein. The control logic,when executed by the processor 404, may cause the processor 404 toperform the functions of the invention as described herein. In anotherexemplary embodiment where the invention may be implemented usingsoftware, the software may be stored in a computer program product andloaded into computer system 400 using, e.g., but not limited to,removable storage drive 414, hard drive 412 or communications interface424, etc. The control logic (software), when executed by the processor404, may cause the processor 404 to perform the functions of theinvention as described herein. The computer software may run as astandalone software application program running atop an operatingsystem, or may be integrated into the operating system.

In yet another embodiment, the invention may be implemented primarily inhardware using, for example, but not limited to, hardware componentssuch as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or morestate machines, etc. Implementation of the hardware state machine so asto perform the functions described herein will be apparent to personsskilled in the relevant art(s).

In another exemplary embodiment, the invention may be implementedprimarily in firmware.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the invention may be implementedusing a combination of any of, e.g., but not limited to, hardware,firmware, and software, etc.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may also be implemented asinstructions stored on a machine-readable medium, which may be read andexecuted by a computing platform to perform the operations describedherein. A machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storingor transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., acomputer). For example, a machine-readable medium may include read onlymemory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media;optical storage media; flash memory devices; electrical, optical,acoustical or nontransitory versions of other forms of previouslypropagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digitalsignals, etc.), and others.

Still referring to FIG. 4, a universal integrated circuit card (UICC)(not shown) comprising a subscriber identity module and possibly asecure storage and/or cryptoprocessor can also coupled to theapplication or system processor. The system may further include asecurity processor (not shown) that may couple to the application orsystem processor or CPU.

One or more, or a plurality of sensors may couple to processor, orapplication processor to enable input of a variety of sensed informationsuch as accelerometer and other environmental information. An audio,and/or video, output device may provide an interface to output sound,and/or other data, e.g., in the form of voice communications, played orstreaming audio data and so forth.

As further illustration of FIG. 4, an exemplary near field communication(NFC) contactless interface can be provided in certain embodiments, thatcan communicate in a NFC near field via an NFC antenna, for example (notshown). While separate antennae can be used, not all are shown in FIG. 4for simplicity of illustration, but will be apparent to those skilled inthe relevant art, understand that in some implementations can includeone or more antenna(ae) or a different set of antennae may be providedto enable various wireless functionality.

Further, an exemplary power management integrated circuit (PMIC) cancouple to application processor or system processor, to perform platformlevel power management. To this end, PMIC (not shown) may issue powermanagement requests to application processor, system processor, etc., toenter certain low power states as desired. Furthermore, based onplatform constraints, PMIC may also control the power level of othercomponents of the exemplary system as shown in FIG. 4.

To enable communications to be transmitted and received, variouscircuitry may be coupled between an exemplary baseband or other systemprocessor and/or an antenna (not necessarily shown in the blockdiagram). Specifically, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver and/or awireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver, and/or a networkinterface card (NIC) may be present, in certain exemplary embodiments.In general, RF transceivers may be used to receive and transmit wirelessdata and calls according to a given wireless communication protocol suchas, e.g., but not limited to, 3G, 4G, 5G, nG, next generation (NG), etc.wireless communication protocol such as in accordance with a codedivision multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile communication(GSM), long term evolution (LTE) or other protocol. In addition a GPSsensor may be present in certain embodiments (not necessarily shown inblock diagram). Other wireless and/or wired communications such as,e.g., but not limited to, receipt or transmission of radio signals,e.g., AM/FM, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, etc., and other signals may also be provided,on a local area, and/or a wide area basis. In addition, via an exemplaryWLAN transceiver, local wireless communications can also be realized.

Further referring to FIG. 4, shown is a block diagram of another examplesystem with which embodiments may be used. In the illustration ofexemplary systems herein, some communications devices may be mobile,and/or portable, and/or, low-power system(s) such as, e.g., but notlimited to, a tablet computer, 2:1 tablet, phablet, a smartphone, alaptop, a notebook, a portable computer, a personal computer, atelephony device, a cellphone, an ultrabook, a GOOGLE CHROME book, etc,a thick client, a fat client, a thin client, and/or convertible and/orstandalone, and/or desktop and/or tablet system. As illustrated, asystem on a chip (SoC) can also be used and may be configured to operateas a system processor, and/or an application processor for the device.

A variety of devices may couple to an exemplary SoC. In the illustrationshown, a memory subsystem may include an exemplary flash memory and/or aDRAM coupled to a SoC, and/or processor and/or controller, and/ormicrocontroller. In addition, a touch panel 1320 is coupled to the SoC,etc. to provide display capability and/or user input via exemplary touchand/or other interface, including, e.g., but not limited to, provisionof an actual, and/or virtual keyboard, and/or other input device, whichcan be alternatively displayed on an exemplary display of an exemplarytouch enabled display panel monitor, or other output device or screen,according to exemplary embodiments.

To provide wired network connectivity, SoC or system processor cancouple to an exemplary network interface such as, e.g., but not limitedto, an exemplary Ethernet interface. A peripheral hub can be coupled toSoC or system processor, in some embodiments, to enable interfacing withvarious peripheral devices, such as may be coupled to system by any ofvarious ports and/or other connectors. Various other output devices caninclude any of various indicators such as, e.g., but not limited to,display interfaces, LEDs, LCDs, etc., interfaces, command lineinterfaces, graphical user interfaces, etc.

In addition to internal power management circuitry and functionalityoptionally provided in some embodiments, within SoC or system processor,or a PMIC can be coupled to exemplary SoC or system processorembodiments to provide exemplary platform-based power management, e.g.,based on whether the system is powered by a battery, or AC power, via anAC adapter, and/or uninterruptible power supply or other power source,in an exemplary embodiment. In addition to this power source-based powermanagement, PMIC may further perform platform power managementactivities based on environmental and usage conditions in someembodiments. Still further, PMIC may communicate control and statusinformation to SoC or system processor or controller to cause variouspower management actions within SoC or system processor, in exemplaryembodiments.

Still referring to FIG. 4, to provide for exemplary communicationfunctions, such as, e.g., but not limited to, wired capabilities, and/orwireless capabilities, a communication interface, such as, e.g., a WLANunit can be coupled to SoC or system processor and/or in turn to anexemplary antenna. In various implementations, WLAN unit or othercommunications devices may provide for communication according to one ormore wireless and/or wired communications protocols, as describedherein, and as would be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art.

As further describing FIG. 4 in illustrative embodiments, a plurality ofsensors (not shown) may couple to SoC and/or the system processor. Thesesensor(s) may include various accelerometer, environmental and othersensors, including, e.g., but not limited to, user gesture sensors,range finders, location based sensors, gyroscopic, touch, ultrasonic,and/or other well known sensors. Finally, an audio codec, and/or ananalog to digital converter, and/or digital to analog converter, can becoupled to SoC or system processor to provide an interface to anexemplary audio input and/or output device. Of course, as will beunderstood to those skilled in the relevant art, such examples areintended merely as way of example, but not limitation, and that whethershown or not shown, discussed, or not discussed, are intended still topotentially fall with this particular implementations as described inthe exemplary figures including FIG. 4, however many variations andalternatives are possible within the scope of the claims as set forthbelow.

The exemplary embodiment of the present invention makes reference towired, or wireless networks. Wired networks include any of a widevariety of well known means for coupling voice and data communicationsdevices together. A brief discussion of various exemplary wirelessnetwork technologies that may be used to implement the embodiments ofthe present invention now are discussed. The examples are non-limited.Exemplary wireless network types may include, e.g., but not limited to,code division multiple access (CDMA), spread spectrum wireless,orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G,6G, n-G (any future wireless standard), next generation (NG), wireless,Bluetooth, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), shared wireless accessprotocol (SWAP), “wireless fidelity” (Wi-Fi), WIMAX, and other IEEEstandard 802.11-compliant wireless local area network (LAN),802.16-compliant wide area network (WAN), and ultrawideband (UWB), etc.

Bluetooth is a wireless technology promising to unify several wirelesstechnologies for use in low power radio frequency (RF) networks.

IrDA is a standard method for devices to communicate using infraredlight pulses, as promulgated by the Infrared Data Association from whichthe standard gets its name. Since IrDA devices use infrared light, theymay depend on being in line of sight with each other.

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention may make reference toWLANs. Examples of a WLAN may include a shared wireless access protocol(SWAP) developed by Home radio frequency (HomeRF), and wireless fidelity(Wi-Fi), a derivative of IEEE 802.11, advocated by the wireless Ethernetcompatibility alliance (WECA). The IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN standardrefers to various technologies that adhere to one or more of variouswireless LAN standards. An IEEE 802.11 compliant wireless LAN may complywith any of one or more of the various IEEE 802.11 wireless LANstandards including, e.g., but not limited to, wireless LANs compliantwith IEEE std. 802.11a, b, d, g, n, etc. such as, e.g., but not limitedto, IEEE std. 802.11 a, b, d, g, n, (including, e.g., but not limited toIEEE 802.11g-2003, etc.), IEEE 802.16, Wi-MAX, etc.

Wide area networks (WANs) allow extending of computer networks overlarge distances, connecting or coupling remote branch offices to datacenters and to other branch offices, and delivery of applications andservices required to perform business functions. When entities likecompanies or government agencies extend networks over greater distancesand sometimes across multiple carriers' networks, the entities can faceoperational challenges including, e.g., but not limited to, latency,network congestion, jitter, packet loss, and/or even service outages,etc. Modern communications related applications such as, e.g., but notlimited to, voice over internet protocol (VoIP) calling,videoconferencing, streaming media, and/or virtualized applicationsand/or desktops, etc., can require low latency. Bandwidth requirementsare also continually increasing, especially for applications featuringhigh-definition video, and the like. Expanding WAN capability can beexpensive and difficult with corresponding difficulties related tonetwork management and troubleshooting.

SD-WAN or SDWAN is an acronym for software-defined networking in a WAN.An SD-WAN simplifies the management and operation of a WAN by decouplingor separating networking hardware from a network control mechanism.SDWAN is similar to how software-defined networking implementsvirtualization technology to improve data center management andoperation. SD-WAN enables building higher-performance WANs usinglower-cost and commercially available Internet access, enablingbusinesses to partially or wholly replace more expensive private WANconnection technologies such as multiprotocol label switching (MPLS).

SDWAN can include redundant telecommunications links, combined withcentral management of those links with a focus on application deliveryacross the WAN, and adding dynamic sharing of network bandwidth acrossconnection points, use of central controllers, integrated analytics,on-demand circuit provisioning, network intelligence, centralized policymanagement and security. SDWAN can include support for multipleconnection types such as, e.g., but not limited to, MPLS, frame relay,high speed wireless communications, LTE communications, etc., dynamicpath selection, load sharing, resiliency support, configurability,quality of service (QoS) support, flexible deployment, simplifiedadministration, troubleshooting, and/or manageability via, e.g., but notlimited to, a software based easy to use interface, such as, e.g., butnot limited to, a graphical user interface (GUI), preferably to commandline (CLI) interface methods of configuration and control, support forvirtual private networks (VPNs) and third party services such as, e.g.,but not limited to, WAN optimization controllers, firewalls, and/or webgateways, etc. SDWAN products can be physical appliances, softwarebased, or some combination thereof. SDWAN can support quality of servicevia application level awareness, bandwidth prioritization, andallocation and prioritization to critical applications, dynamic pathselection, allocating applications on faster links, splittingapplications between multiple paths for increased performance, fasterdata delivery, etc. Improved performance of SDWANs can include cachingand storage based technologies allowing faster access to recentlyaccessed information by placement in memory to speed future access.SDWANs can include preconfigured appliances, virtual appliances,cloud-based appliances, and can enable migration from corporate networksto cloud based services and the like.

SDWAN products are designed to address these WAN network problems. Byenhancing or even replacing traditional branch routers withvirtualization appliances that can control application-level policiesand offer network overlay, less expensive consumer-grade Internet linkscan act more like a conventional dedicated telecommunications circuit.The use of these virtualization appliances in SDWANs can simplify setupfor branch or remote personnel. SDWAN products can be physicalappliances or virtual appliances, and can be placed in, e.g., but notlimited to, small remote and branch offices, larger offices, corporatedata centers, and/or increasingly on cloud platforms, etc.

A centralized controller is used to set policies and prioritize traffic.The SD-WAN takes into account these policies and the availability ofnetwork bandwidth to route traffic. This helps ensure that applicationperformance meets service level agreements (SLAs).

Embodiments of the inventions may be implemented in code and may bestored on an exemplary non-transitory computer accessible storage mediumhaving stored thereon instructions which can be used to program a systemto perform the instructions. Embodiments also may be implemented in dataand may be stored on a non-transitory storage medium, which if used byat least one machine, can cause the at least one machine to fabricateand/or create at least one integrated circuit and/or special purposeprocessors including application specific integrated circuits (ASICs),digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable logic devices (PLDs),digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), field programmable gatearrays (FPGAs), processors, microprocessors, quantum computers,clusters, multi-processor systems, etc., controllers, and/ormicrocontrollers, and/or systems on a chip (SoC), to perform one or moreoperations. The storage medium may include, but is not limited to, anytype of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, solid state drives(SSDs), compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs), compact diskrewritables (CD-RWs), and magneto-optical disks, digital versatile disks(DVD), BLUERAY high definition video disks, semiconductor devices suchas read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs) such asdynamic random access memories (DRAMs), static random access memories(SRAMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), flashmemories, electrically erasable programmable read-only memories(EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, and/or magneto-optical devices, orany other type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions.

Conclusion

Although the invention is described in terms of these exampleenvironments, it is important to note that description in these terms isprovided for purposes of illustration only. It is not intended that theinvention be limited to these example environments or to the preciseinter-operations between the above-noted entities and devices. In fact,after reading the following description, it will become apparent to aperson skilled in the relevant art how to implement the invention inalternative environments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for transmitting and receiving audiofrequency signals comprising PSTN-compatible, or voice over IP (VoIP)signals, or high definition voice signals over a packet data networkwherein the packet data network comprises a software defined wide areanetwork (SDWAN), the system comprising: a first system configured to:receive one or more first incoming audio frequency signals; digitizesaid one or more first incoming audio frequency signals according to anaudio standard to obtain first digitized audio frequency signals;segment said first digitized audio frequency signals to generate one ormore first sequences of audio signal samples, each of said one or morefirst sequences of audio signal samples comprising a first preprogrammedsample size; compress said each of said one or more first sequences ofaudio signal samples according to a first preprogrammed set of rulescomprising a first preprogrammed compression algorithm, to produce afirst sequence of one or more strings of processed samples, if said eachof said one or more first sequences of audio signal samples isdetermined to meet a first preprogrammed criteria for compressionaccording to said first preprogrammed set of rules; accumulate saidfirst sequence of said one or more strings of processed samples tocreate a first group of samples ready for transmission according to afirst aggregation threshold defined by a second preprogrammed set ofrules, create a first outgoing digital message from said first group ofsamples ready for transmission according to a forwarding thresholddefined by a third preprogrammed set of rules, using at least one of: afirst pre-defined data link protocol, or a first control channel;transmit said first outgoing digital message over the software definedwide area network (SDWAN) to a second system; receive, from the softwaredefined wide area network, and interpret, a first incoming digitalmessage from the second system; process said first incoming digitalmessage into one or more incoming digital audio stream samples accordingto said third pre-programmed set of rules comprising said firstpre-defined data link protocol, or said first control channel, or asecond pre-defined data link protocol, or a second control channel; andaccumulate and process said one or more incoming digital audio streamsamples according to a fourth preprogrammed set of rules comprisingbeing configured to: decompress any compressed of said one or moreincoming digital audio stream samples according to a first preprogrammeddecompression algorithm defined by said fourth preprogrammed set ofrules into decompressed digital audio samples; accumulate said firstdecompressed digital samples into a first buffer according to a firstjitter buffer threshold, wherein said first jitter buffer threshold isdefined by said fourth preprogrammed set of rules; and regenerate firstoutgoing audio frequency signals based on said first decompresseddigital audio samples.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising atleast one or more of: wherein the software defined wide area networkcomprises an Internet protocol (IP) based network; or wherein thesoftware defined wide area network comprises an LTE software definedwide area network; or an interface to a voice over Internet protocol(VoIP) packet system or a High Definition Voice system.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: the second system coupled to said firstsystem configured to receive one or more second incoming audio frequencysignals; digitize said one or more second incoming audio frequencysignals according to an audio standard to obtain second digitized audiofrequency signals; segment said second digitized audio frequency signalsto generate one or more second sequences of audio signal samples, eachof said one or more second sequences of said audio signal samplescomprising said first preprogrammed sample size or a secondpreprogrammed sample size; compress said each of said one or more secondsequences of audio signal samples according to said first preprogrammedset of rules or a fifth preprogrammed set of rules comprising said firstpreprogrammed compression algorithm or a second preprogrammedcompression algorithm, to produce a second sequence of one or morestrings of processed samples, if said each of said one or more secondsequences of audio signal samples is determined to meet said firstpreprogrammed criteria, or a second preprogrammed criteria forcompression according to said first or said fifth preprogrammed set ofrules; accumulate said second sequence of said one or more strings ofprocessed samples to create a second group of samples ready fortransmission according to said first aggregation threshold, or a secondaggregation threshold defined by a sixth preprogrammed set of rules;create a second outgoing digital message from said second group ofsamples ready for transmission according to said forwarding threshold,or a second forwarding threshold defined by a seventh preprogrammed setof rules, wherein said second outgoing digital message for transmissionis created using said first or said second pre-defined data linkprotocol, or said first or said second control channel, or a thirdpre-defined data link protocol, or a third control channel; transmitsaid second outgoing digital message over the software defined wide areanetwork to said first system; receive at the second system from thesoftware defined wide area network, and interpret, a second incomingdigital message from said first system; and process said second incomingdigital message into one or more second incoming digital audio streamsamples according to said third preprogrammed set of rules or an eighthpreprogrammed set of rules comprising said first, said second, or saidthird pre-defined data link protocol, or said first, said second, orsaid third control channel, or a fourth pre-defined data link protocolor a fourth control channel; accumulate and process said one or moresecond incoming digital audio stream samples according to said fourthpreprogrammed set of rules, or a ninth preprogrammed set of rules;decompress said one or more of said second incoming digital audio samplestreams according to a second pre-programmed decompression algorithm asdefined by said fourth or said ninth pre-programmed set of rules intosecond decompressed digital audio samples; accumulate said seconddecompressed digital audio samples into a second buffer according to asecond jitter buffer threshold, wherein said second jitter bufferthreshold is defined by said fourth or said ninth preprogrammed set ofrules; and regenerate second outgoing audio frequency signals based onsaid second decompressed digital audio samples.
 4. The system of claim3, wherein said first system and the second system are located at leastone of: at a single location, or at different locations.
 5. The systemof claim 1, wherein the system further comprises wherein at least oneof: said first system, or the second system, is configured to at leastone of: compress, or decompress, at least one of: PSTN, or VoIP, or HighDefinition Voice, compatible audio signals.
 6. The system of claim 3,wherein the system is configured to use at least one of: predeterminedinformation, or learned information, or preconfigured information, todetermine at least one of said first, said second, said third, or saidfourth preprogrammed rules to apply to process said first or said secondsignal information and forward messages between said first and thesecond systems.
 7. The system of claim 1, comprising: wherein said firstcontrol channel comprises at least one of: an in-band control channel,or an out-of-band control channel, and wherein said first controlchannel is configured to: remotely manage and provide a mechanism topass control information for synchronization between, said first and thesecond systems, wherein said mechanism is configured to pass saidcontrol information at least one of: during initialization, or duringrouting changes, or to enable changes in size of jitter buffers, or toturn compression on or off during a call, and provide communications toperform at least one of: facilitate transportation of a plurality ofstrings of said processed samples with a single string of digitalmessages; or provide monitoring function; or provide a control function;or determine real time diagnostic information; or determine statusinformation; or determine ancillary information.
 8. A method fortransmitting and receiving audio frequency signals comprisingPSTN-compatible, or voice over IP (VoIP) signals, or high definitionvoice signals over a packet data network wherein the packet data networkcomprises a software defined wide area network (SDWAN), the methodcomprising: receiving, by at least one processor of a first system, oneor more first incoming audio frequency signals; digitizing, by said atleast one processor of said first system, said one or more firstincoming audio frequency signals according to an audio standardobtaining first digitized audio frequency signals; segmenting, by saidat least one processor of said first system, said first digitized audiofrequency signals to generate one or more first sequences of audiosignal samples, each of said one or more first sequences of audio signalsamples comprising a first preprogrammed sample size; compressing, bysaid at least one processor of said first system, said each of said oneor more first sequences of audio signal samples according to a firstpreprogrammed set of rules comprising using a first preprogrammedcompression algorithm, producing a first sequence of one or more stringsof processed samples, if said each of said one or more first sequencesof audio signal samples is determined to meet a first preprogrammedcriteria for compression according to said first preprogrammed set ofrules; accumulating, by said at least one processor of said firstsystem, said first sequence of said one or more strings of processedsamples creating a first group of samples ready for transmissionaccording to a first aggregation threshold defined by a secondpreprogrammed set of rules; creating a first outgoing digital messagefrom said first group of samples ready for transmission according to aforwarding threshold defined by a third preprogrammed set of rules,using at least one of: a first pre-defined data link protocol, or afirst control channel; transmitting, by said at least one processor ofsaid first system, said first outgoing digital message over the softwaredefined wide area network to a second system; receiving, by said atleast one processor of said first system, from the software defined widearea network, and interpreting, by said at least one processor of saidfirst system, a first incoming digital message from the second system;processing, by said at least one processor of said first system, saidfirst incoming digital message into one or more incoming digital audiostream samples according to said third pre-programmed set of rulescomprising said first pre-defined data link protocol, or said firstcontrol channel, or a second pre-defined data link protocol, or a secondcontrol channel; and accumulating and processing said one or moreincoming digital audio stream samples according to a fourthpreprogrammed set of rules comprising being configured to: decompressingany compressed of said one or more incoming digital audio stream samplesaccording to a first preprogrammed decompression algorithm defined bysaid fourth preprogrammed set of rules into decompressed digital audiosamples; accumulating said first decompressed digital samples into afirst buffer according to a first jitter buffer threshold, wherein saidfirst jitter buffer threshold is defined by said fourth preprogrammedset of rules; and regenerating, by said at least one processor of saidfirst system, first outgoing audio frequency signals based on said firstdecompressed digital audio samples.
 9. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising at least one or more of: wherein the software defined widearea network comprises an Internet protocol (IP) based network; orwherein the software defined wide area network comprises a LTE softwaredefined wide area network; or providing, by said at least one processorof said first system, an interface to a voice over Internet protocol(VoIP) packet system or High Definition Voice system.
 10. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising: receiving, by at least one processor of thesecond system, one or more second incoming audio frequency signals;digitizing, by said at least one processor of the second system, saidone or more second incoming audio frequency signals according to anaudio standard obtaining second digitized audio frequency signals;segmenting, by said at least one processor of the second system, saidsecond digitized audio frequency signals generating one or more secondsequences of audio signal samples, each of said one or more secondsequences of said audio signal samples comprising said firstpreprogrammed sample size or a second preprogrammed sample size;compressing said each of said one or more second sequences of audiosignal samples according to said first preprogrammed set of rules or afifth preprogrammed set of rules comprising said first preprogrammedcompression algorithm or a second preprogrammed compression algorithm,producing a second sequence of one or more strings of processed samples,if said each of said one or more second sequences of audio signalsamples is determined to meet said first or a second preprogrammedcriteria for compression according to said first or said fifthpreprogrammed set of rules; accumulating, by said at least one processorof the second system, said second sequence of said one or more stringsof processed samples, creating a second group of samples ready fortransmission according to said first aggregation threshold, or a secondaggregation threshold defined by a sixth preprogrammed set of rules;creating a second outgoing digital message from said second group ofsamples ready for transmission according to said forwarding threshold,or a second forwarding threshold defined by a seventh preprogrammed setof rules, wherein said second outgoing digital message for transmissionis created using said first or said second pre-defined data linkprotocol, or said first or said second control channel, or a thirdpre-defined data link protocol, or a third control channel;transmitting, by said at least one processor of the second system, saidsecond outgoing digital message over the software defined wide areanetwork to said first system; receiving, by said at least one processorof the second system, at the second system from the software definedwide area network, and interpreting, by said at least one processor ofthe second system, a second incoming digital message from said firstsystem; and processing, by said at least one processor of the secondsystem, said second incoming digital message into one or more secondincoming digital audio stream samples according to said thirdpreprogrammed set of rules or an eighth preprogrammed set of rulescomprising said first, said second, or said third pre-defined data linkprotocol, or said first, said second, or said third control channel, ora fourth pre-defined data link protocol or a fourth control channel;accumulating, by said at least one processor of the second system, andprocessing said one or more second incoming digital audio stream samplesaccording to said fourth preprogrammed set of rules, or a ninthpreprogrammed set of rules; decompressing, by said at least oneprocessor of the second system, said one or more of said second incomingdigital audio sample streams according to a second preprogrammeddecompression algorithm as defined by said fourth or said ninthpreprogrammed set of rules into second decompressed digital audiosamples; accumulating, by said at least one processor of the secondsystem, said second decompressed digital audio samples into a secondbuffer according to a second jitter buffer threshold, wherein saidsecond jitter buffer threshold is defined by said fourth or said ninthpreprogrammed set of rules; and regenerating, by said at least oneprocessor of the second system, second outgoing audio frequency signalsbased on said second decompressed digital audio samples.
 11. The methodof claim 10, wherein said first system and the second system are atleast one of: at a single location, or at different locations.
 12. Themethod of claim 8, further comprising: compressing, and decompressing,by said at least one processor of at least one of said first system orthe second system, at least one of: PSTN-compatible, or VoIP-compatible,or High Definition Voice-compatible audio signals.
 13. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising: using at least one of: predeterminedinformation, or learned information, or preconfigured information, indetermining at least one of said first, or said second, or said third,or said fourth preprogrammed rules to apply to processing, by said atleast one processor of said first system or the second system, saidfirst or said second signal information and forwarding of messagesbetween said first and the second systems.
 14. The method of claim 10,further comprising: using a control channel comprising at least one of:using an in-band control channel, or using an out-of-band controlchannel, said using said in-band, or out-of-band control channelcomprising: remotely managing, by said at least one processor of saidfirst system or the second system, said first and the second systems,and wherein said using said control channel comprises: providing, bysaid at least one processor of said first system or the second system,communications performing at least one of: providing, by said at leastone processor of said first system or the second system, a monitoringfunction; or providing, by said at least one processor of said firstsystem or the second system, a control function; or determining, by saidat least one processor of said first system or the second system, realtime diagnostic information; or determining, by said at least oneprocessor of said first system or the second system, status information;or determining, by said at least one processor of said first system orthe second system, ancillary information.
 15. A nontransitory computermachine-readable medium that provides instructions, which when executedby a computer processor of a computing platform, causes the computingplatform to perform operations comprising a method for transmitting andreceiving audio frequency signals comprising PSTN-compatible, or voiceover IP (VoIP) signals, or high definition voice signals over a packetdata network wherein the packet data network comprises a softwaredefined wide area network (SDWAN), the method comprising: receiving, byat least one processor of a first system, one or more first incomingaudio frequency signals; digitizing, by said at least one processor ofsaid first system, said one or more first incoming audio frequencysignals according to an audio standard obtaining first digitized audiofrequency signals; segmenting, by said at least one processor of saidfirst system, said first digitized audio frequency signals to generateone or more first sequences of audio signal samples, each of said one ormore first sequences of audio signal samples comprising a firstpreprogrammed sample size; compressing, by said at least one processorof said first system, said each of said one or more first sequences ofaudio signal samples according to a first preprogrammed set of rulescomprising using a first preprogrammed compression algorithm, producinga first sequence of one or more strings of processed samples, if saideach of said one or more first sequences of audio signal samples isdetermined to meet a first preprogrammed criteria for compressionaccording to said first preprogrammed set of rules; accumulating, bysaid at least one processor of said first system, said first sequence ofsaid one or more strings of processed samples creating a first group ofsamples ready for transmission according to a first aggregationthreshold defined by a second preprogrammed set of rules; creating afirst outgoing digital message from said first group of samples readyfor transmission according to a forwarding threshold defined by a thirdpreprogrammed set of rules, using at least one of: a first pre-defineddata link protocol, or a first control channel; transmitting, by said atleast one processor of said first system, said first outgoing digitalmessage over the software defined wide area network to a second system;receiving, by said at least one processor of said first system, from thesoftware defined wide area network, and interpreting, by said at leastone processor of said first system, a first incoming digital messagefrom the second system; processing said first incoming digital messageinto one or more incoming digital audio stream samples according to saidthird pre-programmed set of rules comprising said first pre-defined datalink protocol, or said first control channel, or a second pre-defineddata link protocol, or a second control channel; and accumulating andprocessing said one or more incoming digital audio stream samplesaccording to a fourth preprogrammed set of rules comprising beingconfigured to: decompressing any compressed of said one or more incomingdigital audio stream samples according to a first preprogrammeddecompression algorithm defined by said fourth preprogrammed set ofrules into decompressed digital audio samples; accumulating said firstdecompressed digital samples into a first buffer according to a firstjitter buffer threshold, wherein said first jitter buffer threshold isdefined by said fourth preprogrammed set of rules; and regenerating, bysaid at least one processor of said first system, first outgoing audiofrequency signals based on said first decompressed digital audiosamples.
 16. The nontransitory computer machine-readable medium of claim15, wherein the method comprises: performing functions of said firstsystem and the second system at least one of: at a single location, orat different locations.
 17. The system according to claim 1, whereinsaid at least one first, second, third, or fourth preprogrammed set ofrules comprises at least one of: a) at least one intelligent, dynamic,or buffered preprogrammed rule based on positive feedback or collectedinformation; or b) at least one preprogrammed rule dependent upon a typeof the software defined wide area network over which the audio frequencysignals are transmitted; or c) wherein said at least one of said atleast one first, second, third, or fourth preprogrammed rule isconfigured to at least one of: regenerate as accurately as possible, theaudio frequency signals, or reproduce a channel regardless of contenttransported, while said at least one first, second, third, or fourthpreprogrammed rule maintains integrity of the audio frequency signals;or d) wherein if voice over IP (VoIP) or High Definition Voice packetsare received, either segmenting and compressing first, or if alreadycompressed, then proceeding to accumulating audio signal samples, andcombining and creating an aggregated digital message for transmitting;or e) wherein if receiving and interpreting a second incoming digitalmessage at the second system from said first system, processing toisolate a second incoming digital audio stream, and determining if thesecond incoming digital audio stream is going to a VoIP system or a HighDefinition Voice system, and then processing digital samples of saidincoming digital message and outputting packets containing digital audiostream information, and if determined not to be going to said VoIPsystem or said High Definition Voice system, then first processingsamples of the incoming digital messages including decompressing ifrequired, accumulating processed samples in a jitter buffer, andregenerating a second outgoing audio signal; or f) setting anaggregation threshold and a forwarding threshold, receiving a thirdincoming digital audio signal, segmenting the third incoming digitalaudio signal into a segmented audio signal sample, compressing thesegmented audio signal sample into a compressed audio signal sample,buffering in an aggregation buffer the compressed audio signal sample,and determining if the aggregation threshold has been met, and if theaggregation threshold is determined not met then determining if theincoming signal end has been reached and if the incoming signal end isdetermined to be reached then ending, or if the end of the incomingsignal has not been reached then updating the aggregation threshold, andif the determining if the aggregation threshold has been met isdetermined to be met then forwarding samples for transmission, mergingsamples from multiple audio streams into a group of merged samples, andpreparing for transmission of the group of merged samples, and thendetermining whether the forwarding threshold is met, and if theforwarding threshold is determined to be met, then first setting a nextforwarding threshold, creating a digital message, and transmitting thedigital message from said first system to the second system over thesoftware defined wide area network; or if the forwarding threshold isdetermined to not have been met then proceeding immediately; andupdating the forwarding threshold.
 18. The system of claim 3, whereinsaid ninth preprogrammed set of rules comprises configuring the systemto at least one of any one or more of: define a size of said secondjitter buffer; or define a size of said second jitter buffer on a callby call basis; or define a size of said jitter buffer based on at leastone of any one or more of: a predetermined criteria, or a fixedcriteria, or dynamically collected operational data, wherein saiddynamically collected operational data comprises at least one or moreof: current network jitter, or current network delay, or current networkloading, or packet loss, or network data errors, or time of day, or QoSrequirements, or other relevant collected data wherein said dynamicallycollected operational data comprises being configured to be at least oneof any one or more of: collected locally, or sourced from externallyconnected equipment comprising at least one of any one or more of:  arouter, or  a SDWAN device, or  a SDWAN controller, or  performancemonitoring equipment.
 19. The system according to claim 1, wherein saidfirst system configured to segment comprises being configured to:reassemble and resegment said first digitized incoming audio frequencysignals, if a sample size is different from a desired sample size. 20.The system according to claim 1, wherein said first preprogrammed rulescomprises being configured to: compress, using said first preprogrammedcompression algorithm, any of said each of said one or more firstsequences of said audio signal samples if said first preprogrammedcriteria for compression according to said first preprogrammed set ofrules determines it is desired to compress said any of said each of saidone or more first sequences of said audio signal samples; and notcompress any of said each of said one or more first sequences of audiosignal samples, according to said first preprogrammed set of rules, ifsaid first preprogrammed criteria for compression according to saidfirst preprogrammed set of rules determines it is not desired tocompress said any of said each of said one or more first sequences ofsaid audio signal samples, wherein said first preprogrammed criteria forcompression according to said first preprogrammed set of rules comprisesbeing configured to determine desirability of compression ornoncompression is based on any one or more of: if the audio isdetermined to have already been compressed; or fewer than a predefinednumber of calls are determined to be currently in progress; or if thecall is from a wireless phone; or if the call is international; or ifthe call is between certain times of the day; or if the call is anemergency call; or if the call is an otherwise prioritized call; or ifthe call is a facsimile call; or if the call is a data modem call; or ifthe call meets other preprogrammed criteria; or if predeterminedcharacteristics of the network are operating within certain performancelimits comprising any one or more of the following: network loading; ornetwork delay; or network jitter; or network data errors; or packetloss; or if characteristics measured in real time of the network areoperating within certain performance limits comprising any one or moreof: network loading; or network delay; or network jitter; or networkdata errors; or packet loss; or other relevant collected data.
 21. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein said second preprogrammed set ofrules comprises being configured to: define said first aggregationthreshold that determines when a said first group of outgoing samples isready for transmission; and wherein said first aggregation thresholdcomprises being configured to be at least one of any one or more of:fixed; or variable, based on a plurality of factors, wherein saidplurality of factors comprises at least one of any one or more of: anumber of outgoing samples ready for transmission; or an amount of datathat may be transmitted in a next packet; or a maximum packet size; or atimer; or a number of calls in progress; or a priority of certain calltypes; or other relevant operational data.
 22. The system according toclaim 1, wherein said third preprogrammed set of rules comprises beingconfigured to any one or more of: merge to create one or more packets ofdata for transmission; or define an order of priority, if multiplepackets are to be transmitted; or define frequency of when packets areto be sent; or define a time at which packets are to be sent; or definesize of packets; or adjust the forwarding threshold based upon at leastone of any one or more of: taking into account real time factorscomprising any one or more of: current network operating characteristicscomprising at least one of any one or more of: loading; or delay; orjitter; or packet loss; or data errors; or availability of alternativerouting; or availability of additional bandwidth on demand; or number ofcalls in progress; or time of day; or emergency network loading; orother network loading; or other relevant operational data; or Quality ofService (QoS) requirements; or Prioritization.
 23. The system accordingto claim 1, wherein said accumulate said first sequence of said one ormore strings of processed samples to create said first group of samplesready for transmission according to said first aggregation thresholddefined by said second preprogrammed set of rules, comprises whereinsaid first system comprises an aggregation buffer.
 24. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said the software defined wide areanetwork comprises a communications network comprising: at least onewireless network; or at least one wired; or at least one satellitenetwork; or at least one optical network.
 25. The nontransitory computermachine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the software defined widearea network comprises a LTE software defined wide area network.
 26. Thenontransitory computer machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein themethod further comprises: receiving, by at least one processor of thesecond system, one or more second incoming audio frequency signals;digitizing, by said at least one processor of the second system, saidone or more second incoming audio frequency signals according to anaudio standard obtaining second digitized audio frequency signals;segmenting, by said at least one processor of the second system, saidsecond digitized audio frequency signals generating one or more secondsequences of audio signal samples, each of said one or more secondsequences of said audio signal samples comprising said firstpreprogrammed sample size or a second preprogrammed sample size;compressing said each of said one or more second sequences of audiosignal samples according to said first preprogrammed set of rules or afifth preprogrammed set of rules comprising said first preprogrammedcompression algorithm or a second preprogrammed compression algorithm,producing a second sequence of one or more strings of processed samples,if said each of said one or more second sequences of audio signalsamples is determined to meet said first or a second preprogrammedcriteria for compression according to said first or said fifthpreprogrammed set of rules; accumulating, by said at least one processorof the second system, said second sequence of said one or more stringsof processed samples, creating a second group of samples ready fortransmission according to said first aggregation threshold, or a secondaggregation threshold defined by a sixth preprogrammed set of rules;creating a second outgoing digital message from said second group ofsamples ready for transmission according to said forwarding threshold,or a second forwarding threshold defined by a seventh preprogrammed setof rules, wherein said second outgoing digital message for transmissionis created using said first or said second pre-defined data linkprotocol, or said first or said second control channel, or a thirdpre-defined data link protocol, or a third control channel;transmitting, by said at least one processor of the second system, saidsecond outgoing digital message over the software defined wide areanetwork to said first system; receiving, by said at least one processorof the second system, at the second system from the software definedwide area network, and interpreting, by said at least one processor ofthe second system, a second incoming digital message from said firstsystem; and processing, by said at least one processor of the secondsystem, said second incoming digital message into one or more secondincoming digital audio stream samples according to said thirdpreprogrammed set of rules or an eighth preprogrammed set of rulescomprising said first, said second, or said third pre-defined data linkprotocol, or said first, said second, or said third control channel, ora fourth pre-defined data link protocol or a fourth control channel;accumulating, by said at least one processor of the second system, andprocessing said one or more second incoming digital audio stream samplesaccording to said fourth preprogrammed set of rules, or a ninthpreprogrammed set of rules; decompressing, by said at least oneprocessor of the second system, said one or more of said second incomingdigital audio sample streams according to a second preprogrammeddecompression algorithm as defined by said fourth or said ninthpreprogrammed set of rules into second decompressed digital audiosamples; accumulating, by said at least one processor of the secondsystem, said second decompressed digital audio samples into a secondbuffer according to a second jitter buffer threshold, wherein saidsecond jitter buffer threshold is defined by said fourth or said ninthpreprogrammed set of rules; and regenerating, by said at least oneprocessor of the second system, second outgoing audio frequency signalsbased on said second decompressed digital audio samples.
 27. The systemaccording to claim 1, comprising: wherein said first system configuredto create comprises using said first control channel, and furthercomprising wherein said first system is configured to: establish saidfirst control channel between said first system, and said second system,in advance of processing said one or more first incoming audio frequencysignals, comprising wherein said first system is configured to: set upat least one voice trunk as soon as said first system and said secondsystem are switched on, wherein said first control channel is ready whena first call is made, providing for faster call connect, and greaterefficiency than absent said establishing.
 28. The method according toclaim 8, wherein said creating comprises using said first controlchannel, and further comprising: establishing said first control channelbetween said first system, and said second system, in advance ofprocessing said one or more first incoming audio frequency signals,comprising: setting up at least one voice trunk as soon as said firstsystem and said second system are switched on, wherein said firstcontrol channel is ready when a first call is made, providing for fastercall connect, and greater efficiency than absent said establishing. 29.The nontransitory computer addressable medium according to claim 15,wherein the method comprises: wherein said creating comprises using saidfirst control channel, and further comprising: establishing said firstcontrol channel between said first system, and said second system, inadvance of processing said one or more first incoming audio frequencysignals, comprising: setting up at least one voice trunk as soon as saidfirst system and said second system are switched on, wherein said firstcontrol channel is ready when a first call is made, providing for fastercall connect, and greater efficiency than absent said establishing. 30.The system according to claim 1, comprising: wherein said first systemconfigured to create comprises using said first control channel, andfurther comprising wherein said first system is configured to: wait forreceipt of a first call, and upon said receipt of said first call,establish said first control channel between said first system, and saidsecond system, based on real time call requirements of said first call,to allow processing said one or more first incoming audio frequencysignals; and wherein said first system is configured to comprise:wherein said first control channel comprises, depending on preprogrammedcriteria, to either one of: become permanently established; or becometemporarily established.
 31. The method according to claim 8, whereinsaid creating comprises using said first control channel, and furthercomprising: waiting for receipt of a first call, and upon said receiptof said first call, establishing said first control channel between saidfirst system, and said second system, based on real time callrequirements of said first call, to allow processing said one or morefirst incoming audio frequency signals; and wherein said first controlchannel comprises, depending on preprogrammed criteria, either one of:becoming permanently established; or becoming temporarily established.32. The nontransitory computer addressable medium according to claim 15,wherein the method comprises: wherein said creating comprises using saidfirst control channel, and further comprising: waiting for receipt of afirst call, and upon said receipt of said first call, establishing saidfirst control channel between said first system, and said second system,based on real time call requirements of said first call, to allowprocessing said one or more first incoming audio frequency signals andwherein said first control channel comprises, depending on preprogrammedcriteria, either one of: becoming permanently established; or becomingtemporarily established.
 33. The system according to claim 1, furthercomprising wherein said first system and said second system areconfigured to: connect or couple said first system and said secondsystem simultaneously to one another, creating a mesh network.
 34. Themethod according to claim 8, further comprising: connecting or couplingsaid first system and said second system, simultaneously to one another,creating a mesh network.
 35. The nontransitory computer accessiblemedium according to claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:connecting or coupling said first system and said second system,simultaneously to one another, creating a mesh network.
 36. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the packet data network comprises any oneor more of: a wired network; a wireless network; an optical network; afiber network; a satellite network; a 4G wireless network; a 5G wirelessnetwork; a 6G wireless network; an n-G wireless network; a Long-TermEvolution (LTE) network; a wireless LTE network; a GSM/EDGE network; aUMTS/HSPA network; a CDMA2000 network; a 4G LTE network; a 3G or 3GPPnetwork; a WiMAX network; an evolved high speed packet access network;an LTE Advanced network; a WiMAX-Advanced network; a True 4G network; anIMT-Advanced network; an LTE Time-Division Duplex (LTE-TDD) network; anLTE Frequency-Division Duplex (LTE-FDD) network; a Voice over LTE(VoLTE) network; a Circuit-switched fallback (CSFB) network; aSimultaneous voice and LTE (SVLTE) network; or a Single Radio Voice CallContinuity (SRVCC) network.
 37. The method according to claim 8, whereinthe packet data network comprises any one or more of: a wired network; awireless network; an optical network; a fiber network; a satellitenetwork; a 4G wireless network; a 5G wireless network; a 6G wirelessnetwork; an n-G wireless network; a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network; awireless LTE network; a GSM/EDGE network; a UMTS/HSPA network; aCDMA2000 network; a 4G LTE network; a 3G or 3GPP network; a WiMAXnetwork; an evolved high speed packet access network; an LTE Advancednetwork; a WiMAX-Advanced network; a True 4G network; an IMT-Advancednetwork; an LTE Time-Division Duplex (LTE-TDD) network; an LTEFrequency-Division Duplex (LTE-FDD) network; a Voice over LTE (VoLTE)network; a Circuit-switched fallback (CSFB) network; a Simultaneousvoice and LTE (SVLTE) network; or a Single Radio Voice Call Continuity(SRVCC) network.
 38. The nontransitory computer accessible mediumaccording to claim 15, wherein the packet data network comprises any oneor more of: a wired network; a wireless network; an optical network; afiber network; a satellite network; a 4G wireless network; a 5G wirelessnetwork; a 6G wireless network; an n-G wireless network; a Long-TermEvolution (LTE) network; a wireless LTE network; a GSM/EDGE network; aUMTS/HSPA network; a CDMA2000 network; a 4G LTE network; a 3G or 3GPPnetwork; a WiMAX network; an evolved high speed packet access network;an LTE Advanced network; a WiMAX-Advanced network; a True 4G network; anIMT-Advanced network; an LTE Time-Division Duplex (LTE-TDD) network; anLTE Frequency-Division Duplex (LTE-FDD) network; a Voice over LTE(VoLTE) network; a Circuit-switched fallback (CSFB) network; aSimultaneous voice and LTE (SVLTE) network; or a Single Radio Voice CallContinuity (SRVCC) network.